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LIFE AND SERVICES 

\ 



7 



GEN. ANTHONY WAYNE. 



FOUNDED 

>V SOCUKXNTART AKS OTHEB ETISEKCE, FUBNISHED BT US 
SON, COL. ISAAC WATITK. ^ 

— * — h %^%^' * 

BY H, N^ MOOREI ^ ;%^fc.' ' 






ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PUB^TSHFD BY LEAKY k GETZ. 






NOTE. 



The compiler is mainly indebted to the pages of The Casket, (a 
monthly periodical, now discontinued, but published during several 
years in Philadelphia,) for the matter of the little book here placed 
before the public, treating of the Life and Services of Gen. Anthony 
Wayne. In the volumes of the Casket for 1829 and 1830, will be found 
a biographical notice, (running through several numbers.) of this 
illustrious patriot, soldier and statesman of the American Revolution ; — 
the matter for which was obtained as mentioned upon the title-page of 
this work. Much of the documentary material in the Casket has been 
appropriated — a sketch of Wayne, vide vol. iv. of Sparks' Jimerican Bio- 

fraphy, is occasionally quoted — and various histories and annals have 
een consulted — all of which are duly ackuowledged. 
Philadelphia, July, 1846. 



Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1845, by 

JOHN B. PERRY, 

I . the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the United States in 

and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 






''■''"•\'«tl 



MURRAY AND CHARLES, STEREOTYPERS, 
No. 9 George street, Fbiladdpbia. 




LIFE OF 

ANTHONY WAYNE 



CHAPTER I. 

The ancestors of Wayne. — His grandfather at the battle of the 
Boyne. — Emigration of the family to Pennsylvania in 1722. 
— Birth of Anthony Wayne. — Some account of him at 
school. — He opens an office as aland surveyor. — Dr, 
Franklin becomes his friend. — The Nova Scotia agency. 
Wayne's industry. — His marriage in 1767.— He settles 
upon his farm in Chester county. — Takes an active inter- 
est in the controversy between the Colonies and Great 
Britain. — A member of the Pennsylvania Convention, of 
the Legislature, and of the Committee of Safet)\ — His pa- 
triotism. — He raises a regiment, of which Congress gives 
him the command, and he proceeds to join the northern 
army. — Battle of the Three Rivers. — Wayne's gallantry. — 
— He is wounded, but ably conducts the retreat to Ticon- 
deroga — has the command at this place from November, 
1776 to May, 1777, when he joins the main army under 
Washington. 

The name of Wayne at once brings to the mind of 
every American, acquainted with the history of his 
country, the image of .a brave, enterprising, and active 
officer, ready of w^ill, and prompt to execute ; impatient 
of restraint, and eager to attack his enemy sword in 
hand. 

The ancestors of Wayne were English people, re- 
1* 5 



b LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

siding for many generations in Yorkshire, but Anthony 
AVaj^ne, the grandfather of the subject of our present 
notice, removed his family into Wicklow county, in 
Ireland, during the reign of Charles II., and establish- 
ed himself as an agriculturalist in that country. He 
occasionally executed some civil as w^ell as military 
offices. 

Upon the death of Charles II., in 1685, his brother, 
the Duke of York, ascended the throne as James II. 
James professed the Catholic faith, whilst the great 
body of the nation, nobility, merchants, and the people 
at large, were Protestants. Rigorous laws were in 
force against Catholics, and the efforts of James to 
ameliorate the condition of this portion of his subjects, 
roused the jealousy and alarm of those professing the 
reformed religion. The leading statesmen of the day 
concerted together, drew up a paper, to which they 
appended their signatures, inviting William, Prince of 
Orange, (husband of James' eldest daughter, Mary,) 
to invade England with an armed force, and whose 
standard they solemnly pledged their honors to join. 
William, accordingly, collected a force of his Dutch 
subjects, embarked in a small fleet, landed upon the 
coast of England, marched towards London, and was 
every where met by the most influential men of the 
kingdom. James' second daughter, Anne, escaped 
from the palace, (Whitehall,) and repaired to the camp 
of her brother-in-law. Deserted by his children, and 
finding himself odious to the citizens of London, James 
fled from Whitehall, got on board a vessel, and es- 
caped to France. William entered London in triumph, 
and was invested with the crown, jointly with his wife 
— until whose death, this epoch of English history is 
known as the reign of William and Mary. This me- 
morable revolution took place in the year 1688. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 7 

Two years subsequently, James, assisted by tbe 
King of France, and depending greatly upon the favor- 
able disposition of the Catholic population of Ireland 
towards him, landed upon that island, with the pur- 
pose of regaining the sceptre of Great Britain. Wil- 
liam promptly encountered him, and the celebrated 
battle of the Boyne took place on the 1st of July, 1690, 
in which eighteen hundred of the Irish Catholics were 
slaughtered. James was among the first to flee from 
the ground. He lost his hat in his hurry in climbing 
on board one of the ships of the French fleet — sailed — 
reached France again, and remained there until his 
death. 

In this battle, Anthony Wayne, the elder, command- 
ed a company of dragoons in the service of King Wil- 
liam, and fought with signal bravery throughout the 
hottest of the contest. He was a Protestant, and was 
deeply imbued with the republican principles advocat- 
ed by the early Puritans. He was at this time about 
thirty years of age. He continued to reside in Ireland 
for many years after the battle of the Boyne; but, 
eventually, became dissatisfied with the social habits 
of the Irish people, and, when over sixty years of age, 
formed the resolution of migrating to the New World. 
Of an energetic and enterprising nature, he at once 
made his arrangements, crossed the Atlantic, arriving 
safely at the port of Philadelphia, in the year 1722, 
with his family, consisting of four sons, each of whom 
had been well educated in Ireland, their native country. 
Old Anthony, in the year 1724, with the view of set- 
tling his sons comfortably around him, purchased an 
extensive real estate in the county of Chester, and pro- 
vince of Pennsylvania, assigning to each a part. His 
youngest son, Isaac Wayne, father of the American 
general, was a man of strong mind, great industry and 



8 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

enterprise. He frequently represented the county ol 
Chester in the provincial legislature, and, in the capa- 
city of a commissioned officer, repeatedly distinguished 
himself in expeditions against the Indians. He was at 
all times celebrated for his patriotism, and admired for 
the uprightness of his conduct. After a long life of 
usefulness to his country, to his family, and to his 
friends, he died in 1774, leaving one son and two 
daughters. 

His only son, Anthony Wayne, whose public career 
sheds so much lustre on American arms and character, 
was born in the township of Eastown, Chester county, 
Pennsylvania, on the 1st day of January, 1745. His 
father was desirous of bringing the boy up to the busi- 
ness of a farmer, but he soon discovered that the la- 
bors of the field did not suit his son's propensities, 
and, inasmuch as he had the means of indulging the 
bent of the lad's genius, he resolved to afford him an 
opportunity of pursuing such studies as inclination 
might suggest. And for this purpose he was placed 
under the tuition of his uncle, Gilbert Wayne, a man 
of considerable erudition and mental acquirements, and 
who ^as a country schoolmaster. 

After some considerable time had been spent with 
his uncle, it appears that young Anthony's progress in 
learning was far from being encouraging. Indeed, his 
uncle had formed a very unfavorable opinion of the 
boy's capacity for acquiring scholastic knowledge, as is 
evident by the following letter that he wrote to the 
boy's father. " I really suspect that parental affection 
blinds you, and that you have mistaken your son's 
capacity. What he may be best qualified for, I know 
not. One thing I am certain of, he will never make a 
scholar. He may perhaps make a soldier. He has 
already distracted the brains of two-thirds of the boys 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 1\ 

under my charge, by rehearsals of battles, sieges, etc. 
They exhibit more the appearance of Indians and Har- 
lequins than students. — This one decorated with a cap 
of many colors ; others habited in coats as variegated, 
like Joseph's of old — some laid up with broken heads 
and black eyes. During noon, in place of the usual 
games of amusements, he has the boys employed in 
throwing up redoubts, skirmishing, etc. I must be 
candid with you, brother Isaac — unless Anthony pays 
more attention to his books, I shall be under the pain- 
ful necessity of dismissing him from the school."* 

It will readily be inferred that young Wayne's father 
was not a little mortified by this account of his son, 
and at the next interview he not only reprimanded him 
severely, but threatened to withdraw him from school, 
and consign him to the lowest and most irksome la- 
bors of the farm. Knowing the decisive character of 
his father, and dreading lest the threat should be put 
in force, Anthony resolved to give up, for the present 
at least, all his military schemes, and vigorously to 
prosecute his studies. Returning to the school of his 
uncle, he assiduously applied himself to mathematics, 
and persevered so effectually, that, at the end of eigh- 
teen months, his uncle acknowledged he could instruct 
him no farther, and advised his brother to send the lad 
to Philadelphia for the purpose of acquiring an aca- 
demical education. 

Anthony, having reconciled his uncle, and gratified 
the hopes of his father, was, at the age of sixteen, en- 



* Here we have a striking similarity between the school 
pastimes of Anthcfhy Wayne and Napoleon Bonaparte — the 
latter, as we are historically informed, engaged his fellow 
scholars in building forts of snow, ranging them into besieg- 
ers and besieged, and attacking and defending with snow 
balls. 



12 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

tered as a pupil in the Philadelphia Academy, where 
he remained until his eighteenth year. So great was 
his attachment to mathematical science, and so eager 
his zeal to reach its summit, that the united solicitations 
of his friends and tutors could not prevail on him to 
devote more time to the dead languages than was merely 
sufficient for the acquirement of their rudiments. — After 
leaving the academy, Wayne took up his residence in 
his native county, the settlement and improvement of 
which, though as yet in their infancy, were daily ad- 
vancing. At this time a surveyor of competent abili 
ties was much needed in the adjustment of controver- 
sies, on account of disputed and ill-defined lines, and 
the location of roads for public and private accommo- 
dation ; he therefore commenced the pursuit of sur- 
veying, and also devoted a portion of his time to prac- 
tical astronomy and engineering. The manuscripts 
which he has left behind him on those subjects have 
attracted the notice and elicited the applause of distin- 
guished professors. 

Having opened an office as a land surveyor, he soon 
found himself surrounded by a lucrative business. At 
this period, the peace of 1763 betwecm France and 
Great Britain, gave to the latter the undisputed autho- 
rity over the island of Nova Scotia, and it was conse- 
quently the policy of her government to colonize this 
new portion of her dominions. Inducements -v^ere held 
out, and capitalists residing in the older provinces, as- 
sociated themselves together for the purpose of specu- 
lation. A company of this kind was formed in Penn- 
sylvania in 1764, consisting of merchants and money- 
ed men, of whom Dr. Franklin, that patron of science 
and learned men, was one. Admiring the gentlemanly 
manners of young Mr. Wayne, and highly appreciat- 
ing his talents, Franklin brought him forward as a fit 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 13 

j)en«*>,\ 'or the agent of the company, in wliich capa- 
civ)" 4!iN services of a capable person were necessary; 
a pfciscn "who should visit the territory offered for 
setil^A.^ it ; inspect the soil, as regarded the purpose 
of agri^ ilture ; ascertain the means of commercial fa- 
cility coi nected with it ; and, under these several views, 
locate th j tract to be granted. It will be thought highly 
creditabl « to Mr. Wayne, then in his twenty-first year, 
that, of 1 le many applicants for this agency, he should 
have bee .1 chosen on the special recommendation of so 
discrimh ating a judge as Dr. Franklin."* 

In the month of March, 1765, Mr. Wayne embark- 
ed for IN Dva Scotia. The agency for this new popu- 
lation company was both responsible and arduous. 
Warrants were to be taken out, correct surveys were 
to be made and returned, patents to be procured for the 
lands, etc. ; in addition to which actual settlements 
were to be effected. So ardent was Wayne's zeal for 
the accomplishment of his mission, i. e., the objects of 
it, that he permitted nothing within his control to im- 
pede its progress. About the middle of December, 
having executed to the letter the views of the company 
thus far, he returned to Pennsylvania, and laid before 
his friends and employers charts of the lands taken up, 
with a detailed account of his proceedings — all of which 
afforded the ■ most perfect satisfaction to the company. 

Early in the spring of 1766, he again repaired to 
Nova Scotia, in order to complete the task so advan- 
tageously commenced in the preceding year, taking 
with him many settlers, implements of husbandry, pro- 
visions, etc. Late in the autumn of that year he re- 
turned to Philadelphia, having, in a manner highly 
honorable to himself, and gratifying to the company, 



* Sparks' American Biography, vol. iv. page 6. 



14 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

accomplished the various objects of his agency. And 
the company, having, through his indefatigability, suc- 
ceeded in planting their new colony, continued him as 
an agent to extend and improve it.* Although he did 
not revisit the settlement, he directed the concern, so 
long as it retained the character of an association. The 
correspondence which remains on this subject proves 
him to have been an able negotiator, and his numerous 
field notes, charts, and astronomical observations, ex- 
hibit accuracy as well as great taste in execution. The 
labor bestowed on this infant establishment promised a 
rich reward to the association, but the active and glori- 
ous part which W(ayne and his companions espoused 
in behalf of their country, previous to, and during the 
revolutionary war, deprived them of enjoying the fruits 
of their enterprise in Nova Scotia. 

In the year 1767, Wayne married a daughter of 
Benjamin Penrose, an eminent Philadelphia merchant; 
and the already hostile position assumed between the 
colonies and the mother country, having put an end to 
his duties as agent for the company, he repaired to 
Chester county, and established himself on a farm. 
From this period until the year 1774, his time was oc- 
cupied in agriculture and practical surveying. Such 
was his celebrity as a surveyor, that he was called for 
on all important and intricate cases, both in his own 
county and those adjoining. And many of the provin- 
cial and other principal roads in Pennsylvania have felt 
the impress of his chain and compass. During the above 



* " And, what maybe considered as redounding still more 
to his credit, that, after a full trial ofhis qualifications, the ad- 
ditional trial of superintending the settlements actually made, 
should have been continued, in him, until, in 1767, the men- 
acing controversy between Great Britain and her colonies 
put an end to the enterprise." — Sparks' Biography. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 15 

period — from 1767 to '74 — he was elected to various 
county offices, and at the same time he took a leading 
part among patriots in preparing for the struggle that, 
(as day after day made more evident,) was about to 
take place between the provinces and Great Britain. 

For the purpose of raising revenue, the British par- 
liament passed resolutions imposing oppressive duties 
on the trade of the colonies. These acts were received 
in America with a general feeling of indignation. 
" Treated hitherto with comparative kindness and in- 
dulgence, the people could not fail to perceive that such 
measures were harsh and coercive. They were, in 
fact, not less impolitic than unkind ; for it could not 
reasonably be expected that those communities, who 
had been left to grow in the free air of independence 
in childhood, and had acted as the allies of the parent 
state in youth, would submit to a system of unbending 
restraint, when they had attained to the strength and 
maturity of manhood. Parliament should have under- 
stood, that while the colonies were becoming more and 
more jealous of their rights, they Avere also becoming 
sensible of their power. If they had learned the les- 
son of civil freedom from the Pilgrims, they had also 
learned the art of war from the French and Indians."* 

Anthony Wayne was one of the provincial deputies 
who, early in the year 1774, were chosen, by the dif- 
ferent counties, to take into consideration the alarming 
state of affairs at this crisis, and report thereon. He 
was also a member of the Pennsylvania convention, 
which, shortly after this, assembled in the city of Phi- 
ladelphia, and the patriotic zeal and spirited proceed- 
ings of which body excited an honorable and power- 
ful emulation in the other colonies. 



Frost's History of the United States. 



16 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNK. 

The state of public affairs strongly indicated that the 
Pennsylvania Legislature of 1774-5, should be com- 
posed of men possessing the soundest heads and stout- 
est hearts ; the greatest care was consequently taken 
throughout the province to secure the election of men 
of this description. Among the members returned from 
Chester county was Anthony Wayne, who, with 
Charles Thom|)son, Thomas Mifflin, and other zealous 
patriots of the same body, led the way in preparing for 
the decisive part which Pennsylvania afterwards took 
m the general contest. In the summer of 1775, Wayne 
was appointed a member of the committee of safety, 
with Dr. Franklin, John Dickinson, and others, alike 
distinguished for zeal in their country's cause. To 
this committee belonged the duty of calling into actual 
service the citizens, and providing for the defence of 
the province against invasion from abroad and insurrec- 
tion at home. 

Wayne, having resolved to enter the service of his 
country the moment an opportunity should present, 
and being himself fully convinced that the controversy 
between the two countries would only be settled by the 
sword, assiduously applied his mind to acquiring a 
knowledge of military tactics, and gave a great portion 
of his time and labor to the institution and instruction 
of military associations throughout his native county. 
On the subject of military discipline and tactics, every 
writer of eminence, and within his reach, was procur- 
ed ; and every day, which he could spare from other 
public duties, he devoted to performing the service of a 
drill officer, and infusing into the minds of his fellow- 
citizenfe a knowledge of military science. His grow- 
ing popularity brought to his standard large assem- 
blages of the youths of Chester county wherever he 
appointed a drill, and the confidence which they repos- 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 17 

ed in his skill and intrepidity, was an earnest of the 
most prompt and strict attention to his orders should 
the occasion come when he should be called upon to 
lead them into battle-. 

Wayne, in size, was above what is termed the " mid- 
dle stature," and was well proportioned. He had dark 
hair. His forehead was high and handsomely formed. 
The color of his eyes was a dark hazel, intelligent, 
quick, and penetrating. His nose approached the 
aquiline. The remainder of his face was well propor- 
tioned, and his whole countenance fine and animated. 
His natural disposition was exceedingly amiable. He 
was ardent and sincere in his attachments. His morals 
were chaste, his manners refined. 

So desirous was this zealous republican of disciplin- 
ing the diiferent military associations in his native 
county, that, in September, L775, he abstracted him- 
self wholly from the political councils of the province, 
and devoted his energies to the object of raising a vol- 
unteer regiment. This object he pursued with such 
combined decision and discretion, that he was but six 
weeks in completing a regiment, of which he was 
unanimously chosen colonel, and by his address and 
assiduity soon exhibited, to the surprise of his country- 
men, a corps more resembling veterans than militia. 
They were young and gallant men who thronged to the 
standard of Anthony Wayne ! Every thing conspired 
to make the young men of that day patriots, agitated as 
the citizens were throughout the colonies with the great 
questions of taxation and the rights of a free people. 
The clouds of war threatened, and the young and en- 
thusiastic at once turned their attention to military 
science. They ransacked history for the description 
of battles, and even though they did not obtain much 
of information in regard to tactics from historians, they 



18 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

nevertheless imbibed no inconsiderable share of mili- 
tary ardor from perusing and dwelling upon the heroic 
deeds of the past. The spirit of liberty was abroad. 
Thousands of young men througb<>ut the colonies were 
thronging to enrol themselves. Already had the great 
drama of the Revolution opened at Lexington and 
Bunker's Hill. Already had Washington accepted the 
command of the army, and repaired to the seat of war. 
Indications of patriotism and mihtary superiority like 
that which displayed itself thus early in the career of 
Anthony Wayne, wa«tl particularly welcome at this 
crisis. Congress, sitting at Philadelphia, had called 
upon each of the colonic for a certain number of regi- 
ments to reinforce the northern army ; and of the four 
required from Pennsylvania, the one raised by the ex- 
ertions of Wayne was called upon, and upon him was 
conferred the command of it. His commission dates 
the 3d of January, 1776. So soon as the appointment 
was announced, those that he had drilled and disciplin- 
ed, flocked around him, enthusiastically ready to fol- 
low his fortunes in the service of their common country. 
This was a circumstance highly flattering to him, as 
well as honorable to themselves, and by which means 
he was speedily enabled to take the field. He receiv- 
ed orders to join the army under General Lee at New 
York ;* from whence he proceeded with his officers 
and men to Canada, where he arrived about the last of 
June, and his regiment formed a part of the brigade, 
under the command of General Thompson, stationed 
at the mouth of Sorel river. 



* Washington, in person, was besieging the British in the 
town of Boston, which they evacuated on the 17th of March, 
1776 ; but previous to that, he had sent a force under Gene* 
ral Lee to put New York city and Long Island into a state of 
defence. 



LIFE OF ANTHONV WAYNE. 19 

By the death of Gen. Thomas, who had command- 
ed the northern army, the command devolved upon 
Maj. Gen. SuUivan, who arrived at Sorel river at 
about the same time Wayne did.* Sullivan, being in- 
formed that a detachment of six hundred of the British 
light infantry had advanced as far westward as the 
Trois Rivieres, (Three Rivers,) and were posted there 
under the command of Gen. Frazer, was desirous of 
not only checking their advance, but striking them be- 
fore they could concentrate their forces ; he was de- 
sirous of recapturing the post, and establishing a heavy 
battery upon it, which, if not sufficient entirely to pre- 
vent the ascent of the British armed vessels and trans- 
ports up the St. Lawrence to Montreal, might at least 
so embarrass the navigation as greatly to retard their 
progress thither.t 

With these views, Sullivan intrusted the expedition 
to Gen. Thompson, who set out upon the night of 
the 3d of July, at the head of three regiments ; Wayne's, 
St. Clair's and Irvine's. Although the plan of this ex- 
pedition was well laid, and much resolution discovered 
in the execution of it, yet a combination of untoward 
circumstances compelled the Americans to retreat in 
the greatest confusion. Gen. Thompson, and the 



* " John Sullivan, an officer in the army of the American 
Revolution, born in Maine, established himself as a lawyer in 
New Hampshire. Turning his attention to military affairs, 
he received, in 1772, the commission of major, and in 1775, 
tliat of brigadier-general. The next year he Avas sent to Ca- 
nada, and on the death of General Thomas, the command of 
the army devolved on him." — Biographical Dictionary. 

The northern army had been in command of General 
Montgomery, v.'ho fell at the assault on Quebec. After him 
General Wooster had the command. General Thomas, who 
was sent to succeed the latter, died, during the retreat from 
Quebec, on the 2d of June. 

t St. Clair's Narrative. 



20 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

gallant Col. Irvine, with some other officers, were 
taken prisoners, together with about two hundred pri- 
vates ; and several rank and file were killed. Col. 
St. Clair received a wound in one of his feet, and 
the movements of the brigade devolved upon Col. 
Wayne, who, though severely wounded himself, con- 
ducted the retreat in a masterly manner, and succeeded 
in uniting and bringing off the dispersed and broken 
bodies of troops, and with which he returned to the 
camp at the mouth of the Sorel. This post it was no 
longer possible to hold ; the Americans consequently 
evacuated it, and a retreat towards Lake Champlain 
was commenced. The duty of covering this movement 
fell to the part of Col. Wayne and the Pennsylvania 
regiments. Already a heavy British column was ad- 
vancing, and the Americans had but just time to leave 
the fort before the head of the enemy's column enter- 
ed it. The retreat was ably conducted by Wayne, 
and, ultimately, after many feats of bravery, and en- 
during much toil and innumerable privations, the Ame- 
ricans, with their baggage and stores, were safely con- 
centrated at Ticonderoga, on the 17th of July. 

At this post, and its dependencies, generals Gates 
and Schuyler, then commanding, determined to take 
their stand. In October, the British commander-in- 
chief. Sir Guy Carleton, resumed offensive measures, 
and, with a part of his fleet, appeared in view of these 
posts. He reconnoitred the fortifications, but found 
them so well prepared to resist an assault, and the late- 
ness of tbe season precluding the trial of a siege, lliat 
lie concluded to suspend operations until the following 
spring. He had landed his forces as if determined to 
attack the American posts ; but, with his new impres- 
sions on his mind, he re-embarked his army, and re- 
tired into winter quarters in Canada. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 21 

Immediately after the main body of the British had 
withdrawn from the neighborhood of Ticonderoga, 
Gen. Gates repaired to Washington's army with a 
strong detachment of the northern troops, and the com- 
mand of the remainder devolved on Gen. Schuyler, by 
whom the following orders were issued. 

" November 23J, 1776. 
" Colonel Anthony Wayne, 

" Sir, — The care of the fortress of Ticonderoga, and 
Mount Independence, being committed to you, as com- 
manding officer, with a garrison composed of your 
regiment, and those of Wood, Dayton, Irvine, Burrell, 
and Whitcomb, to compose the garrison, together with 
the artillery, under Major Stevens, the light infantry 
companies, under Colonel Wliitcomb, Colonel Bald- 
win, the chief engineer, with sundry artificers, and Ma- 
jor Hay, A. D. Q. M. General, including in all upwards 
of 2500 rank and tile. — I have the fullest confidence in 
your vigilance, attention, and foresight to guard against 
surprise, and to do every thing that may have a ten- 
dency to secure your post, and promote the weal of the 
service, etc. PHILIP SCHUYLER." 

The compliment paid Col. Wayne in selecting 
him for the command of such an important trust, was 
certainly a high and flattering one. The arrangement 
was particularly agreeable to the troops ; Congress ap- 
proved of it, and the gallant soldier was, on the 21st of 
the following February (1777) promoted by that body 
to the rank of brigadier-general. The details of this 
command are honorable to Wayne, and not devoid of 
interest to the reader, but the limits of this memoir pre- 
clude their insertion. He continued at this post from 
November, 1776, to May, 1777, at which period, in 
consequence of his earnest solicitations, he was order- 



22 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

ed to join the main army, then under Washington, in 
New Jersey. A day or two previous to his departure 
for head-quarters, the field officers of the continental 
army at Ticonderoga unanimously addressed him in the 
most affectionate and flattering terms. 

The campaign of 1776 had proved rather disastrous 
to the Americans ; a large number were taken prison- 
ers, " and conveyed to New York, where they were 
confined in the most horrible of all dungeons, the Bri- 
tish prison ships. There they endured sufferings, which 
have seldom known a parallel in the annals of cruelty. 
But they bore all with the patience of martyrs, and the 
courage of patriots. When offered liberty and promo- 
tion if they would join the royal party, they spurned 
the offer with contempt ; and hundreds of them expir- 
ed in captivity, rather than desert the cause to which 
they had devoted themselves."* 

The campaign of 1777, had opened on both sides 
with a rapid succession of assaults and surprises. At 
Peekskill, on the North River, the Americans were at- 
tacked by a large body of the British, under convoy of 
a frigate ; they set the stores and buildings on fire, and 
retreated. The British, after finishing the work of 
destruction, returned to the city of New York. This 
took place on the 23d of March. 

On the 13th of April, an attempt was made by Lord 
Cornwallis and Gen. Grant, to surprise and cut off 
Gen. Lincoln, who, with 500 men, was posted at 
Bound Brook, a few miles from Brunswick, in New 
Jersey. The force of the British on this occasion was 
near 2000, but Lincoln, by a daring and energetic move- 
ment, notwithstanding he was partly surrounded, forced 
his passage through the enemy's columns, and escaped 



• Frost's United States. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 23 

with a loss of less than a hundred men, leaving some 
baggage and three pieces behind. 

These, and similar, desultory enterprises were being 
carried on, whilst the northern army lay inactive at 
Ticonderoga. The valor, and enterprising nature, of 
Wayne, could not be contented except in the theatre 
of the war, — which was at the crisis on the soil of New 
Jersey, — and hence his solicitations to be transferred 
to the head-quarters of the commander-in-chief, where 
he arrived about the middle of May, and was received 
by the officers and soldiers of the army, but especially 
by those of the Pennsylvania line, with great pleasure 



24 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE 



CHAPTER II. 

Campaign of 1777. — Washington's praises of Wayne's gal- 
lantry in the field. — Confidence of the Pennsylvanians in 
Wayne's superior talents. — Letter to him from Dr. Rush — 
his reply. — Battle of Brand3^wine. — Wayne at Chad's Ford 
-his bravery and coolness in this action. — Engagement 
of 16th September — Wayne at the post of danger. — A full 
account of the " Massacre at the Paoli," as it is called. — 
Court Martial of Wayne in consequence — his defence, his 
acquittal, etc. 

General Howe, having received reinforcements 
from England, crossed over from New York city into 
the state of New Jersey, with 30,000 men. This was 
about the 1st of June, 1777. Washington had but 7000 
men to resist this overpowering number of M'^ell disci- 
plined troops. Howe manoeuvred for several days, with 
the object of drawing Washington from the strong posi- 
tion he occupied at Middlebrook. One day he would 
pretend an attack on the American camp, and the next 
a flank movement on Philadelphia — in which city Con- 
gress was sitting, and the expulsion of which body, to- 
gether with the capture of that city, were now the pro- 
minent objects that Howe was desirous of effecting. 
These manoeuvres not succeeding, he counterfeited an 
alarm, and made a precipitate retreat to Staten Island, 

Wayne, immediately on his arrival at head-quarters, 
had been placed in command of a brigade. He had 
made every possible exertion to bring it into the field 
in a high state of discipline ; and, for this purpose, as 
well as on account of the deeply interesting crisis of the 
war, he denied himself the pleasure of even visiting his 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 20 

family, from whom he had been separated more than 
sixteen months. His corps, and those respectively of 
Sullivan, Morgan, and Maxwell, were ordered to pur- 
sue the retreating enemy ; v/hilst Washington himself, 
with the main army, should follow to sustain an attack 
or cover a retreat. Howe, now learning that Wash- 
ington was in pursuit of him, recalled his forces from 
Staten Island, and advanced with his whole army, 
hoping to bring the latter to a pitched battle ; pushing 
rapidly forward himself, despatching Lord Cornwallis 
with a force to seize the post at Middlebrook. But the 
whole object was discovered by an American recon- 
noitering party ; Washington returned towards the 
mountains and regained the strong hold of his former po- 
sition, before Cornwallis had an opportunity to reach it. 

Howe, finding he could not bring Washington to a 
pitched batUe, and baffled in every way by the Ameri- 
can Fabius, gave up the design of reaching Philadel- 
phia by a land march through New Jersey, and em- 
barked 16,000 of his troops on the 5th of July, sailing 
southward ; leaving the remainder of the army with 
Sir Henry CUnton, to keep New York city in posses- 
sion of the British. 

During these skirmishes, Wayne and Morgan par- 
ticularly distinguished themselves, evidence of which 
we have in Washington's report to Congress, dated 
June 22d. "They displayed great bravery and good 
conduct;" says he, "they constantly advanced on an 
enemy far superior to themselves in number, and well 
secured behind strong redoubts." Washington held 
Wayne in high estimation ; in fact, he soon became a 
favorite with the commander-in-chief, and at all times 
shared largely of his confidence. 

The people of Pennsylvania were at this period, un- 
happily, much divided on the subject of state policy. 
2 



26 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

In order that Gen. Wayne might aid in restoring 
harmony, many of his former political associates were 
anxious that he should visit his native state, and 
among them was one of her favorite sons, the dis- 
tinguished Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Decla- 
ration of Independence, and then a member of the 
Pennsylvania delegation in Congress. He wrote to 
Wayne. " Come, my dear sir," is his language, " and 
let us weep together over this dear nurse of our child- 
hood, the protectress of our youth, and the generous 
rewarder of our riper years. ' De republica nunquam 
desperandum est.' Let us unite our efforts once more, 
and perhaps we may recover Pennsylvania from her 
delirium. At present she has lifted a knife to her own 
throat. Your timely prescriptions may yet save her 
life. I need not say, that in the field, we expect that 
the Pennsylvanians will show us the ' metal of their 
pasture' in the day of trial. Let no other state bear 
away from us the palm of military glory."* 

This letter was addressed to Wayne while he was 
with the army in New Jersey. Wayne replied very 
fully to the political part of Dr. Rush's episde, and re- 
gretted that his military duties would not admit of his 
absence from the army. He adds, " The enemy do 
not seem fond of meeting disciplined troops. My bri- 



* " Benjamin Rush, an eminent American physician, was 
born, in 1745, in Bristol, Pennsylvania; educated at Prince- 
ton, and took his degree at Edinburgh; chosen in 1776 a 
member of Congress, and signed the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence ; professor of medicine and clinical practice at the 
Pennsylvania University; died in 1813. He was one of the 
greatest and best men who have adorned his country. Among 
his works are, Essays, Literary, Moral, and Philosophical; 
Medical Inquiries and Observations ; and a History of the 
Yellow Fever." — Biographical Dictio7iary. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 27 

gade offered Gen. Grant battle six times the other 
day ; he as often formed, but always on our approach 
his people broke and run, after firing a few vollies, 
which we did not return, being determined to let them 
feel the effects of a close fire, and then give them the 
bayonet under cover of the smoke. This hero, who 
was to march through America at the head of 5000 
meii^ by a flank fire of our artillery had his coat much 
dirtied, his horse's head taken off, and himself badly 
bruised, for having the presumption, at the head of 
seven hundred British troops, to face five hundred Penn- 
sylvanians. You may rest assured, sir, that the Penn- 
sylvanians will not give up ' the palm of military glory' 
to any troops on earth." 

After the British retreated from New Jersey, some 
time elapsed before Sir William Howe developed the 
real object of his next movement. So soon as it was 
ascertained. Gen. Wayne received the following order 
from the commander-in-chief, which was promptly 
obeyed and satisfactorily executed. 

" Head Quarters. 
" The fleet have gone out of the Hook,* and as Del- 
aware appears to be the most probable destination, 1 
desire that you will leave your brigade under the next 
in command, and proceed to Chester county, in Penn- 
sylvania, where your presence will be necessary to ar- 
range the militia who are to rendezvous there." 

To prevent the British from getting possession of 
Philadelphia, was a matter of deep anxiety to Wash- 
ington and Congress. That that city was the destina- 
tion of the British fleet was the commonly received 
opinion ; and the Americans obstructed the navigation 



The British fleet left Sandy Hook on the 25th of July. 



28 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

of the river by a chevaux-de-frise and other works, 
which ihey placed a few miles below the city. Howe 
being apprized of these obstructions, sailed farther 
south, and entered the Chesapeake. Washington, re- 
ceiving intelligence that the British fleet was standing 
up the bay, instantly decamped from the margin of the 
Delaware, in Buck's county, and marched with his 
whole army to oppose, if not defeat, the object of the 
enemy — the reduction of Pennsylvania, particularly 
that of Philadelphia. 

On the 24th of August, Howe landed his forces at 
tlie head of Elk river. He was not ready to march 
npon Philadelphia until the 3d of September, whenhe set 
his columns in motion, and advanced with but little op- 
position until he arrived, on the 11th, at the southern 
bank of a small river, called the Brandy wine, and within 
twenty-five miles of the city. Here he was met by the 
American army, Washington having resolved to try the 
fortunes of a battle. On this memorable 11th of Sep- 
tember, 1777, Gen. Wayne conducted a division. The 
point most accessible to the enemy was Chad's Ford. 
At this place, the post of danger, Wayne was stationed, 
with orders to resist the passage of the column under 
Knyphausen. So soon as Sir William Howe com- 
menced the attack on the right, Knyphausen made his 
arrangements to pass the Ford, when a tremendous 
cannonade, accompanied by small arms, commenced 
on both sides. The conflict was most gallantly kept 
up by Wayne and his troops till near sunset, when 
being apprized of the defeat sustained in his rear — 
namely, that the right flank of the American line had 
given way, and had been followed by the flight and dis- 
order of its centre and left — he thought it prudent to 
retreat, overpowered as he was by numbers, and per- 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 29 

cciving the enemy, who had vanquished our right co- 
lumn, approaching near his flank and rear.* 

Much credit was bestowed on Wayne and his divi- 
sion for their coolness and bravery throughout the day, 
and it was well merited. Their gallant resistance at 
the Ford most certainly prevented Knyphausen from 
materially annoying our retreating columns. " The 
contest, which began on our right," says Col. Lee, 
" spread to our left, was warm in some parts of the 
American line, and many of the corps distinguished 
themselves. The most conspicuous were the brigades 
of Wayne and Weedon, and the 3d regiment of Virginia, 
commanded by Col. Marshall, to which, with the ar- 
tillery directed by Col. Proctor, of Pennsylvania, much 
praise was given."! The loss sustained by the Ameri- 
cans in this action has been stated at 300 killed, 600 
wounded, and 400 prisoners. Sir William Howe stated 
the loss of his army to be only 100 killed and 400 
wounded. It was in this battle that young La Fayette 
first drew his sword in the cause of our country's liber- 
ties. Though wounded in the leg, he kept his posi- 
tion, and continued to cheer and encourage the troops 
to the end of the engagement.^ 

Washington, with his army, retired to Chester in 
the night ; decamping on the following morning, and 
marching by the route of Philadelphia. Here he cross- 
ed the Schuylkill, and resolved to give the enemy ano- 



* " The firing on the left being the signal for Knyphausen 
to act, this officer began his movements accordingly; but, 
notwithstanding the weight and vigor of his attack, and the 
aid it received from a covering battery, he was unable to 
drive Wayne from his position till near sunset." — Sparks* 
American Biography. 

f Vide Lee's Memoirs of the Southern Campaigns. 

i Frost's United States. 

3* 



30 LIFE OF ANTHONY' WAYNE. 

ther battle. For this purpose both armies were array- 
ed on the 16th, in Goshen township, Chester county, 
some distance south-west of the Warren tavern, on the 
road leading from Philadelphia to Lancaster. Gen. 
Wayne, as in the other instance, was given the post of 
danger, and commenced the action with great spirit. A 
violent storm of wind and rain come on, and rendered 
it impossible for either army to keep the field.* Se- 
parated by the tempest from his adversary, Washing- 
ton resolved to replenish his ammunition, which, owing 
to the defective construction of the tumbrels and car- 
touch-boxes, had been rendered useless. He, there- 
fore, retired with the main army up the Schuylkill, and 
crossed at Parker's ferry, where he might be enabled 
to obtain a fresh supply in time to dispute the passage 
of the Schuylkill, and yet make another effort to save 
Philadelphia. 

On the 19th Wayne received the following order frorai 
the commander-in-chief, which had been preceded on 
the 17lh and 18th by others, equally, if not more urgent. 

" Reading Furnace, 6 o^ clock, P. M, 
" Dear Sir : — I have this instant received yours of 
half past 3 o'clock, a.m. Having written to you already 
to move forward upon the enemy, I have but little to 
add. Generals Maxwell and Porter are ordered to do 
the same, being at Pott's forge. I could wish you and 
those generals to act in conjunction, to make your ad- 
vance more formidable, but I would not have too much 
time delayed on this account. I shall follow as speedily 
as possible with jaded men — some may probably go 



• " The actiou took place near the Warren tavern ; was 
close and sharp as long as it lasted, and would in a few mi- 
nutes have become general, but for a deluge of rain which 
separated the combatants." — Sparks' Biography* 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 31 

off immediately, if I find they are in a condition for it. 
The horse are almost all out upon the patrol. Car- 
tridges have been ordered for you. Give me the ear- 
liest information of every thing interesting and of your 
moves, that I may know how to govern mine by them. 
The cutting o^the enemy's baggage would be a great 
matter. Yours, sincerely, 

" Geo. Washington." 

Wayne, in reply, assured Washington, that " every 
possible exertion would be made to carry his orders 
into efTect." For this purpose, on the evening of the 
20th, with a great diminution of his division since the 
battle of the 11th, in consequence of the killed, wound- 
ed and sick, he took an excellent position, with 1500 
troops, militia included, three miles in the rear of the 
left wing of the British army, — whence, after being re- 
inforced, it was his intention to march and attack the 
enemy's rear when they decamped, and, if possible, 
" cut off their baggage." But in this he was disap- 
pointed. Traitors, on the evening above mentioned, 
passed into the British camp, fully apprized the enemy 
of Wayne's position, and in the night conducted them 
to it, as we shall see. 

Wayne had taken this position, two miles west of 
the Paoli tavern, there to be joined by Gen. Smallwood 
and tlie Maryland malitia. His encampment was re- 
markably well chosen; no public roads were then in 
existence which led immediately to it, and, from the 
direction in which the enemy lay, it was difficult of ac- 
cess, and all his arrangements to prevent either a sur- 
prise or a repulse were admirably formed. Night had 
come on ; Smallwood had not yet arrived ; pickets and 
sentinels had been planted, and patrols of horse thrown 
forward on the by-roads leading into the camp. Some 



32 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

time after nine o'clock in the evening, Wayne was 
given to understand that a boy, who during the day had 
been captured and Uberated by the enemy, had over- 
heard one British soldier remark to another that " an 
attack on the American party would be made during 
the night." In consequence of which, though he did 
not place much reliance upon the report, he multiplied 
both his pickets and patrols, directed the troops to re- 
pose on their arms, and, as it was then raining, to put 
their cartouch-boxes under their coats.* 

He was thus prepared either to meet an attack or to 
withdraw from it, as circumstances might prompt. In 
the meantime, detachments of the enemy had set out, 
having been previously apprized of Wayne's position, 
and were now faithfully piloted over hills and a long by- 
paths. At eleven o'clock, Wayne was aware of the 
near approach of the British column, and, conjecturing 
from the direction of its march, that the attack was 
aimed at the right of his position, he immediately or- 
dered Col. Humpton, second in command, " to wheel 
the line and lead off by a road leading to the White 
Horse tavern ; while with the first Pennsylvania regi- 
ment, the light infantry, and the horse, he should*post 
himself on the right and cover the retreat." With this 
arrangement, the artillery moved off, sustaining neither 
injury or loss; nor, under this judicious direction, 
would any have befallen the infantry, if the order given 
to Humpton had been promptly obeyed by him. But 
from negligence or misapprehension, this officer failed 
to put the troops in motion, till thrice ordered to do so. 
This delay gave the British time to come up before the 
infantry could make their retreat good. The enemy 
fell upon them, with the cry of " No quarters," and 



Sparks' American Biography. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 33 

one hundred and fifty were killed and wounded in this 
action, as reported by Wayne, which statement was 
subsequently proven to be correct.* The British re- 
port made the number three hundred, and American 
writers have generally copied this report, not making 
allowances for exaggeration. Persons were still living 
in 1829, who assisted in burying the dead ; but fifty- 
three bodies were found on the field, which were de- 
cently interred by tlie neighboring farmers in one grave, 
immediately adjoining the scene of action, being one 
mile south of the Warren tavern, on the Philadelphia 
and Lancaster turnpike road.t 

If Wayne had occupied the ground on the night of 
the 20th, which some, even American historians, assert 
he did, and there the disaster had occurred, he would 
have been justly accountable to his God and' country 
for all the blood shed on that night ; because the posi- 
tion would have been extremely ineligible in itself, and 



* See the Casket, for 1829, and Sparks' Biography. 

f " On the 20th of September, 1817, being the 40th anniver- 
sary of the Massacre, a Monument was erected over the re- 
mains of those gallant men, by the Republican Artillerists of 
Chester County, aided by the contributions of their fellow 
citizens. It is composed of white marble, and is a pedestal 
surmounted by a pyramid Upon the four sides of the body 
of the pedestal, are appropriate inscriptions. The monu- 
ment is enclosed by a stone wall, forming a rectangular ob- 
long, from north to south, sixty feet in length and twenty in 
width. The historical account of the location of this engage- 
ment is erroneous. It is stated to have occurred in the woods, 
near the entrance of the road leading from Darby into that 
leading to Lancaster. The fact is not so. The position of 
the troops, on that night, was nearly, if not quite, two miles 
west from this place, and on ground incomparably more eli- 
gible. The Paoli tavern is situated at the spot first above 
mentioned. The affair, in consequence of this topographical 
error, has been styled the " Massacre at the Paoli." — Casket, 



34 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

only one mile from the enemy's lines. The above re- 
marks have been deemed proper, not only on account 
of Wayne's memory, but also for the purpose of hand- 
ing down to posterity correct information on a subject, 
which has never failed to excite much interest and in- 
quiry. 

Shortly after this affair, Gen. Wayne was much dis- 
tressed to hear that, either from misrepresentation, 
envy, or malice, he was censured for his conduct on 
account of the unfortunate rencontre on the night of the 
20th. He therefore addressed the commander-in-chief, 
as follows : — 

" Sir — I feel myself very much injured until such 
time as you will be kind enough to indulge me with an 
inquiry into my conduct concerning the action of the 
night of the 20th September. 

" Conscious of having done my duty, I dare my ac- 
cusers to a fair and candid hearing ; dark and insidious 
friends I dread ; but from an open and avowed enemy 
I have nothing to fear. 

" I have no other mode of showing them forth to 
open view, than through your means. I must there- 
fore beg an immediate investigation by a Court Martial. 

" Your compliance will much oblige your excel- 
lency's most obedient humble servant. 

" Anthony Wayne." 

To which the commander-in-chief replied, that " so 
soon as the army enjoyed a little respite, his request 
should be granted." 

In order that the present and succeeding generations 
may have a view of Wayne's conduct on that night, as 
well as tlie sentence which was passed on. it by a tri- 
bunal perfectly qualified to judge, the following docu- 
ments are presented, as extracted from a public print 
of that day. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 35 

Extract of a communication dated White Marsh, 2d Novem- 
ber, 1777. 

The action of the night of the 20th of September, 
near the Warren, has been variously and very errone- 
ously represented. 

However sanguine some persons were in their at- 
tempt to detract from the merits of Gen. Wayne, and 
the worthy officers of his division, who, with unparal- 
leled bravery, stood the bayonets of the enemy, saved 
all the artillery, and effected an honorable retreat in the 
face of every difficulty and danger, they now find them- 
selves egregiously deceived in proffering a charge which 
must have proceeded from the worst of motives and the 
worst of hearts. 

A General Court Martial, of which General Sullivan 
was president, was held the 25th, 26th, 27th and 30th 
of October, for the trial of Brigadier-General Wayne, 
on the following charge, viz : 

" That he had timely notice of the enemy's intention 
to attack the troops under his command, on the night 
of the 20th September last, and notwithstanding that 
intelligence, neglected making a disposition until it was 
too late either to annoy the enemy or make a retreat, 
without the utmost danger and confusion." 

This charge originated with Col. Humpton, who 
sought to exonerate himself in regard to his cowardice, 
or disobedience of orders, by throwing the odium on 
Wayne, whose defence was as follows. 

" After the expiration of five weeks, during which 
period the tongue of slander has not been idle, I am 
happy to bring my case before a court of whose honor 
and impartial judgment I cannot have the least doubt. 
I shall not intrude on the patience of this court by any 
useless preface, but proceed to answer the charge. 

" The charge exhibited against me, is, ' that I had 



36 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

timely notice of the enemy's intention to attack the 
troops under my command on the night of the 20lh 
September, and notwithstanding that intelligence, I ne- 
glected making a disposition until it was too late, either 
to annoy the enemy or make a retreat, without the ut- 
most confusion.' 

" The first part of the charge, that ' I had timely 
notice of the enemy's intention to attack the troops un- 
der my command,' is very readily answered. 

" I shall briefly relate what these gentlemen call a 
timely notice : — A Mr. Jones, an old gentlemen, U\ ing 
near where we were encamped, came to my quarters 
between 9 and 10 o'clock at night, and informed me, 
before Colonels Hartley, Broadhead and Temple, that 
a servant boy belonging to Mr. Clayton had been taken 
by the enemy and liberated again, who said that he had 
heard some of their soldiers say, that they intended to 
attack me that night. Although this could not be deem- 
ed a sufficient notice on any military principle, yet I 
immediately ordered out a number of videttes, in addi 
tion to those already planted, with direction to patrol 
all the roads leading to the enemy's camp. 1 also 
planted two new piquets, the one in front on a blind 
path leading from the Warren to my camp, the other to 
the right, and in the rear, which made on that night 
not less than six ditferent piquets. 

" I had, exclusive of these, a horse piquet under 
Captain Stoddard well advanced on the Swedesford 
road, being the very way the enemy marched that night. 
But the very first intelligence which I received of their 
advancing was from one of the very videttes which I sent 
out in consequence of the timely notice from Mr. Jones, 
who had only time to go about a mile before he m^et 
the enemy. Immediately on his return, the troops were 
all ordered to form, having been warned to lay on their 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 37 

arms in the evening, for a purpose which I shall pre- 
sently mention ; at this time it was raining, and in or- 
der to save the cartridges from wet, I ordered the sol- 
diers to put their cartouch-boxes under their coats. 
This, gentlemen, does not look like a surprise ; it rather 
proves that we were prepared either to move off or act 
as the case might require, when once apprized which 
way the enemy were actually advancing. To have 
made any move, previously to ascertaining that fact, 
might have been attended by fatal consequences, or to- 
tally subversive of the views of the commander-in-chief. 
So soon as it was discovered that the enemy were push- 
ing for our right, where our artillery was planted. Ma- 
jor Ryan carried my orders to Colonel Humpton, and 
to the division, for the whole to wheel by sub-platoons 
to the right, and to march off by the left, and gain the 
road leading on the summit of the hill toward the White 
Horse, it being the very road on which the division 
moved two miles the previous evening. The division 
wheeled accordingly ; the artillery moved off, but owing 
to some neglect or misapprehension, which is not un- 
common, in Colonel Humpton, the troops did not move 
until a second and third order were sent, although they 
were wheeled and faced for the purpose. At the very 
time this order for the retreat was at first given, and 
which I presumed was obeyed, I took the light infan- 
try and the first regiment and formed them on the right, 
and remained there with them and the horse in order 
to cover the retreat. If this was not making a disposi- 
tion, I acknowledge I know not what a disposition is. 
" These troops met and received the enemy with a 
spirit becoming free Americans, but were forced to give 
way to numbers. The neglect or misapprehension of 
Colonel Humpton had detained the division too long ; 
otherwise the disposition would have been perfect. I 
4 



38 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE.. 

was, in consequence, necessitated to form the 4tli re- 
giment to receive the enemy, and favor the retreat of 
the others ; this^ Colonel Bntler and the officers of the 
infantry of that regiment, were concerned in and wit- 
ness of. About three hundred yards in rear of that, I 
again rallied such of the division as took the proper 
route ; those who went a contrary way, and out of 
supporting distance, perhaps Colonel Humpton can give 
the best account of. Here I have a fair and ample Held 
for recrimination, were I so disposed. I shall waive 
the subject, and beg leave to read the orders which I 
received from time to time from his excellency General 
Washington. 

" In the eyes of gentlemen and officers, I trust that I 
stand justified for the part I took on that night. I had 
the fullest and clearest advice that the enemy would 
march that morning for the river Schuylkill, and in 
consequence of this intelligence, I had reconnoitred a 
road leading immediately along the right flank of the 
enemy, in company with Colonels Humpton and Hart- 
ley, and I had the men laying on their arms, to move, 
(as soon as General Smallwood should arrive,) not 
from but to the enemy. For this purpose I had sent 
Colonel Chambers, as a guide, to conduct that officer 
into my rear, who with his division was expected to 
arrive every moment from two in the afternoon until 
we were attacked, at which time he was within a short 
distance of our rear, and retreated to the White Horse, 

"I shall just put a serious question or two, and then 
submit the matter to the decision of this court Sup- 
pose that, after all these repeated orders from his excel* 
iency, and the arrival of General Smallwood, I had re- 
treated before I knew whether the enemy intended to 
attack me or not, and that they should have marched to 
the Schuylkill tliat morning, which Uiey actually did, 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 39 

would not these very gentlemen have been the first to 
default me, for putting it out of my power to attack 
their rear? Would not his excellency, with the great- 
est justice, have ordered me in arrest for cowardice and 
disobedience of his repeated, peremptory, and most 
pointed orders ? Would not I have stood culpable in 
the eyes of the world ? Would not I justly have merit- 
ed immediate death or cashiering ? I certainly would. 
What line could I follow but the one I trod ? What 
more could have been done on the occasion than was 
done? The artillery, ammunition, etc., were covered 
and saved by a body of troops who were rallied and re- 
mained on the ground more than an hour after that 
gentleman. Colonel Humpton, the prosecutor, had ef- 
fected his escape from danger, although perhaps not 
without confusion, 

" I hold it needless to say any more, or take up the 
time of this court on the occasion. I rest my honor 
and character, which to me are more dear than life, in 
the hands of gentlemen, who, when deciding on my 
honor, will not forget their own." 

After a full and patient hearing of all the testimony 
brought forward, the court pronounced as follows : — 
" The Court, having fully considered the charge against 
Brigadier-General Wayne, and the evidence produced 
to them, are unanimously of opinion that General 
Wayne is not guilty of the charge exhibited against 
him, but that he, on the night of the 20th September 
ultimo, did every thing that could be expected from an 
active, brave, and vigilant officer, under the orders 
which he then had. The court do acquit him with the 
highest honor."" 

" The Commander-in-chief approves the sentence." 



40 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 



CHAPTER III. 

Battle of Gennantown, October 4, 1777, and the heroic part 
sustained by Wayne during the day. — His letter to Wash- 
ington — letter to his family. — The British take possession 
of Philadelphia. — The American army at Whitemarsh, and 
at Valley Forge. — Some account of the British while in 
Philadelphia — the Doans. — Wayne in camp — he repairs to 
Lancaster. — Distressed condition of the army at Valley 
Forge — the foraging excursion of Wayne in New Jersey 
— his success — returus to camp, etc. 

Deeming it proper to place before the reader a cleai 
account of the particulars in regard to the " Massacre 
of Paoli," as it is usually called, we could not do so 
without referring to the proceedings of the Court Mar- 
tial, and diverging for the time from the regular progress 
of history. We now return to the morning after the 
massacre. 

Sir William Howe, early on the morning of the 21st 
of September, decamped from Great Valley, and by 
easy marches continued his route to Philadelphia; and 
on the 26th took a position in the village and imme- 
diate vicinity of Germantown, seven miles distant from 
the city. General Washington, having called in all 
his detached parties, broke up his camp at Pottsgrove, 
and with the view of placing his army in a strong posi- 
tion, and within a convenient distance from his enemy, 
encamped on the Skippack road, about sixteen miles 
from Germantown. Apprized that the British were 
weakened by sending off detachments for a variety of 
purposes, he suddenly decamped, at 7 o'clock on the 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 41 

evening of the 3d of October, and, moving with secrecy 
and circumspection, attacked the enemy in their camp 
at dawn of day on the 4th. Every prospect of success 
was at first brilliant, but the day closed on our retreat- 
ing army. On this day the division commanded by 
Wayne, pressed forward from the onset, and following 
its leader, mingled in the " thickest of the fight," until, 
by a train of unpropitious circumstances, the Ameri- 
cans were necessitated to commence a retreat, in cover- 
ing which Gen. Wayne used every exertion which 
bravery and prudence could dictate. 

The following letter was addressed by him on thai 
day to Gen. Washington. It is dated " Camp near 
last Head Quarters, Oct. 4th, 1777, 8 o'clock, p.m. 

" Dear Gen. — After we left the field of battle, the 
troops, who took the upper route, were formed at 
White Marsh church, under General Stephen. It was 
thought advisable to remain there some time in order 
to collect the stragglers from the army. The enemy 
made their appearance with a party of light horse, and 
from 1500 to 2000 infantry, with two field pieces. 
The troops were ordered off, when I covered the rear 
with some infantry and Colonel Bland's dragoons ; but 
finding the enemy determined to push us hard, I ob- 
tained from General Stephen some field pieces, and 
took the advantage of a hill overlooking the road the 
enemy were marching on ; they met with such a re- 
ception, that they were induced to retire back over the 
bridge which they had just passed, and give up further 
pursuit. The time gained by this stand favored the 
retreat of a considerable number of our men, three or 
four hundred of whom are now encamped here, and 
which I hope will facilitate the retreat of almost all 
who were scattered; so that you are now, in my hum-r 
4* 



42 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

ble opinion, in as good, if not better, situation than you 
were before the action of this day. Your men are con- 
vinced that the enemy may be driven, and although we 
fell back, yet our people have gained confidence and 
have raised some doubts in the minds of the enemy, 
which will facilitate their total defeat in the next trial, 
which I shall be happy to see brought to issue so soon 
as expedient. I am your excellency's most obedient, 

"Anthony Wayne." 

The loss of the Americans in this action, was 152 
killed, 521 wounded, 400 prisoners. The total loss 
of the British was, in killed and wounded 800, besides 
prisoners. 

On this day the divisions of Sullivan and Wayne 
composed the right wing. Washington, in his official 
report, said, *' In justice to the right wing of the army, 
whose conduct I had an opportunity of observing as 
they acted immediately under my eye, I have the great- 
est pleasure to inform you that both the officers and 
men behaved with a degree of gallantry which did them 
the highest honor." And in the following family let- 
ter. Gen. Wayne gives a detail of the action so far as 
he was personally concerned. 

" Camp, near Pawling* s Mills, } 
" October Gth, 1777. S 
" On the 4th instant, at the dawn of day, we at- 
tacked General Howe's army at the upper end of 
Germantown ; the action soon became general, when 
we advanced on the enemy with charged bayonets ; 
they broke at first, without waiting to receive us, but 
soon formed again, when a heavy and well directed fire 
took place on each side. The enemy gave way, but 
being supported by the grenadiers returned to the 
charge. General Sullivan's division and Conway's 




W miiiM^mi 



n 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 45 

brigade were at this time engaged to the south of Ger- 
man town, whilst my division had the right wing of the 
enemy's army to encounter, on the north of the town ; 
two-thirds of our army being too far to the north to 
afford us any assistance. However, the unparalleled 
bravery of our troops surmounted every difficulty, and 
obliged the enemy to break and run in the utmost con- 
fusion. Our people, remembering the action of the 
night of the 20th of September, pushed on with their 
bayonets, and took ample vengeance for that night's 
work. Our officers exerted themselves to save many 
of the poor wretches who were crying for mercy, but 
to little purpose ; the rage and fury of the soldiers were 
not to be restrained for some time — at least, not until 
great numbers of the enemy fell by their bayonets 
The fog, together with the smoke occasioned by oui 
cannon and musketry, made it almost as dark as night, 
and our people, mistaking each other for the enemy, 
frequently exchanged shots before they discovered 
their error. We had now pushed the enemy near three 
miles, and were in possession of their whole encamp- 
ment, when a large body of troops were discovered ad- 
vancing on our left flank, which being taken for the 
enemy, our men fell back, in defiance of every exer- 
tion of the officers to the contrary, and after retreating 
about two miles, they were discovered to be our own 
people, who were originally intended to attack the right 
wing of the enemy. The fog and this mistake pre- 
vented us from following a victory that in all human 
probability would have put an end to the American war. 
General Howe for some time could not persuade him- 
self that we had run away from victory, but the fog 
clearing off, he ventured to follow us with a large body 
of his infantry, grenadiers, and light horse. I at this 
time being in the rear, with the view of collecting the 



46 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

Stragglers of our retreating army, and finding the enemy 
determined to push us hard, drew up in order of battle 
and awaited their approach. When they advanced suf- 
ficiently near, we gave them a few cannon shot. Not 
being pleased with this reception, our pursuers broke 
and retired — thus ended the action of that day, which 
continued from daylight until near 10 o'clock. I had 
forgot to mention that my roan horse was killed under 
me, within a few yards of the enemy's front, and my 
left foot a little bruised by a spent ball, but not so much 
so as to prevent me from walking. My poor horse re- 
ceived one musket ball in the breast and one in the 
flank, at the same instant that I had a slight touch on 
ray left hand, which is scarcely worth noticing. 

" Upon the whole it was a glorious day. Our men 
are in high spirits, and I am confident we shall give 
them a total defeat the next action, which is at no great 
distance. 

" My best love and wishes to all friends. 

"Anthony Wayne." 

Each army, after this action, resumed its former posi- 
tion. Shortly after which Sir William Howe with- 
drew his troops from Germantown, and concentrated 
his force in the city and its immediate vicinity. Con- 
gress had left on the 18th of September and proceeded 
to Lancaster, sixty miles in the interior of the state. It 
was on the 26th that Howe, with a detachment of his 
troops, took peaceable possession of Philadelphia.* 



* As they entered the city, Lord Cornwallis, at their head, 
led the van. They marched down Second street, without any 
huzzaing or insolence of manner; and the citizens thronged 
the sidewalks, with serious countenances, looking at them. 
The artillery were quartered in Chestnut street, between 
Third and Sixth streets, — the State House yard was made use 
of as a parade ground. — Watson^ s Annals of Philadelphia. 



LIFE OF ANTIIOXY WAYNE. 47 

Washington, being now reinforced, took a strong 
position at White Marsh, fourteen miles from Phila- 
delphia, to which he added extensive field works. 
Howe, supposing that the American general intended 
to hazard another battle for the recovery of the then 
metropolis of the United States, resolved to march from 
Philadelphia on the night of the 4th of December, and 
attempt the surprise of the American camp in the same 
manner that Washington had actually surprised that 
of the British at Germantown. But in this design the 
British general failed. His troops remained a few days 
in the neighborhood of the American lines, and made 
many demonstrations of assault, in the expectation that 
Washington would quit his strong position in order to 
bring on a general action, which he prudently declined. 
After some considerable skirmishing, Howe returned 
to the city, virtually acknowledging by his retreat 
that he durst not risk a battle with his adversary on 
ground chosen by himself, notwithstanding he outnum- 
bered Washington in regular troops. The commander- 
in-chief, in his official account of this excursion and re- 
treat of Howe, says : — " I seriously wish they had 
made the attack ; the issue would, in all probability, 
have been happy for us. Policy forbade our quitting 
our posts to attack them." 

On the 7th of December, Howe returned to his win- 
ter quarters, there to indulge in " all the sweets of 
luxury and pleasure to be drawn from the wealthy and 
populous city of Philadelphia." Whilst Washington, 
on the 11th, with his almost famished and naked 
troops, whose march could be traced by the blood from 
their barefeef^ proceeded to Valley Forge, sat down in 
a woods, and, in the latter end of December, cheerfully 
commenced building huts with their own hands, which, 



48 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

after being completed, were palaces in comparison with 
their ragged tents. 

The British, while they wintered in Philadelphia, 
pursued a round of amusements, and their young offi- 
cers indulged in habits and excesses that were both 
novel and disagreeable to the staid citizens of a Quaker 
city. Sir William Howe was a handsome man, and 
of courteous manners. He had seized the carriage of 
Mrs. Pemberton for his own use, and rode much about 
the town. Of a social disposition, he gave many din- 
ner parties, and was desirous of making the acquaint- 
ance of all the opulent families in the city. Balls and 
parties succeeded night after night, in a constant round, 
during the winter. Major Andre, and Captain Delan- 
cy, took the lead in such dramatic entertainments as 
were got up at the Old Theatre (now a distillery) in 
South street, above Fourth. Major Andre assisted in 
painting the scenes, and a drop curtain painted by him 
was for years after in use.* 

In their foraging excursions, the British were inva- 
riably piloted and assisted by a notorious refugee family 
of five brothers and two cousins, bearing the name of 
Doan. It was at the instance of this band of free- 
booters that Howe had undertaken to surprise the 
Americans at White Marsh, and he kept them con- 
stantly on the lookout to furnish him with information 
if any opportunity should present.! 

During the whole of the campaign of 1777, Gen. 
Wayne experienced every vicissitude of the military 
operations, under the immediate command of Gen. 
Washington. In councils of war and private confer- 
ence he did every thing in his power to aid his country 



* Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, 
■j- History of the Doans. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 49 

and general. It is a fact which must here be placed to 
Gen. Wayne's credit, that, owing to a combination of 
circumstances, the duty, which was usually performed 
by three general officers for a length of time, devolved 
on him alone. To this case the commander-in-chief, 
(at one of the most pressing crisises in the campaign of 
1777,) adverts in an official letter. 

" The recall of General St. Clair, obliged me to part 
with General Lincoln, whom I could but ill spare, so 
that the whole charge of his division is now upon 
General Wayne, there being no other brigadier in it 
than himself." 

From the encampment, Wayne thus addressed a 
friend, Richard Peters, Esq. 

" Mount Joy, Dec, 30, 1777. 
" We are busy in forming a new city at this place. 
My people will be covered in a few days ; I mean as 
to huts, but naked as to clothing — in which respect they 
are in a worse condition than Falstaff 's recruits, for 
they have not one whole shirt in a brigade — he had 
more than that to a company. * * * * The eastern 
states have taken the wise measure of clothing their 
own troops. Would to God that Pennsylvania had 
done the same. I hope it is not yet too late. If I had 
not sent out some of my officers to purchase shoes, 
stockings, breeches and blankets, (for which ourclother- 
general refuses paym^ent) the Pennsylvania troops must 
have either perished, or deserted, before this time. 
However, I expect soon to be able to procure necessa- 
ries to make them comfortable; but to effect this essen- 
tial business, and to recover my health, I shall require 
three or four weeks respite from camp duty, for — after 
struggling with a stubborn cold for some weeks, ac- 
companied by a pain in the breast, occasioned bv a fall 
3 



50 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

at Germantown, when my horse was shot under me — 
this caitiff complaint has taken post in my lungs and 
throat. And, unless I am permitted to change my 
ground, I dread the consequence. I have now been on 
constant duty for twenty-three months, sixteen of which 
I served in Canada and Ticonderoga, the remainder 
with his excellency, during which I have never had one 
single moment's respite. * * * * I am happy to hear 
that Mrs. Peters has blessed you with a son, and that 
she is likely to recover and assist you in forming his 
young mind, and placing him in the bright path to 
honor, virtue, freedom and glory — from which, I trust, 
neither he, nor my own little fellow, will turn aside, 
although the track should be marked with his father's 
blood." 

So soon as the troops were comfortably covered, 
Wayne asked, and obtained, leave of absence for the 
purpose spoken of in the preceding letter. Early in 
January he repaired to Lancaster, where the Seat of 
Government was then located. On the morning of 
leaving the camp, he issued the following : 

^^ Division Orders. — The following promotions of 
field officers in the Pennsylvania line has taken place." 
Here the names of the officers and their respective ranks 
occur, after which he proceeds : " The justice done to 
the merits of these officers has opened the way for the 
promotion of the subaltern officers of the respective 
regiments, whose bravery and good conduct equally 
entitle them to it. The pleasure the general experien- 
ces on this occasion, he can much better feel than ex- 
press. It must afford the highest satisfaction to grate- 
ful minds to see a corps of officers honorably provided 
for, who have more than shared the dangers and diffi- 
culties of the late hard campaign. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 51 

" The general's state of health, as well as other con- 
siderations, require a little respite. He hopes soon to 
be able to rejoin the army. In the interim every exer- 
tion of his shall be used to provide not only comforta- 
ble clothing but the neatest uniform for his fellow-sol- 
diers, whose bravery and conduct have made them for- 
midable to their foes, and endeared them to their coun- 
try and their general, whose greatest ambition is to 
deserve their esteem and confidence, and to share every 
vicissitude of fortune with them. The general requests 
his officers to pay every possible attention to the disci- 
pline, health and comfort of the soldiers during his ab- 
sence." 

While at Lancaster, in fulfilment of this promise to 
his soldiers, Gen. Wayne used every exertion within 
his power, and, aided by Congress and patriotic friends 
of his immediate acquaintance, he raised supplies, and 
ultimately succeeded in rendering the Pennsylvania 
line comparatively comfortable as to clothing, as well 
as respectable in appearance. But, notwithstanding his 
exertions, and that of other officers, most of the troops 
at Valley Forge were in a distressed situation during 
the winter of 1777-8. So great did the scarcity of 
provisions become, that Washington, after using lenient 
measures, was at length compelled, in order to save the 
army from famine, to detach a strong body of troops 
under Gen. Greene, with orders to obtain, on the west- 
ern side of the Delaware, " an immediate supply of 
provisions by any means whatever." This officer, 
from the necessity of the case, (with the aid of a strong 
body of dragoons, commanded by Col. Lee,) foraged 
as in an enemy's country, and seized on every animal 
fit for slaughter, and by these means the immediate 
wants of the army were supplied. 



52 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

To prevent a recurrence of so deplorable a state of 
want, Gen. Wayne, about the middle of February, at a 
tempestuous and inclement season, was detached with 
a body of troops to New Jersey, in order to secure 
cattle on the eastern banks of the Delaware, and to de- 
stroy the forage which could not be removed lest it 
should fall into the hands of the British. This was a 
most hazardous and arduous enterprise, within the 
limits of the enemy's lines, and in a district of country 
subject to his control. But danger never deterred the 
gallant Anthony Wayne ! He resolved on the relief 
of the suiFering soldiery, and determined to wrest from 
the grasp of Sir William Howe the provisions he re- 
quired for his army, as well as the forage which he 
much needed for the sustenance of his wagon-artillery 
and cavalry horses. He cheerfully proceeded to exe- 
cute Washington's orders, and literally carried on a 
winter-campaign beyond the reach of any aid from his 
compatriots. After several skirmishes with the eiie-" 
my — indeed, they rather merit the title of battles — in 
all of which he was so fortunate as to chastise them— 
he succeeded, by judicious management and great exer- 
tion, in sending to the American camp several hundred 
head of fine cattle, many excellent horses, suited for 
cavalry service, and also in securing a quantity of for- 
age, and destroying much more, for the whole of 
which, to the well affected, he executed certificates in 
due form. About the middle of March, he returned to 
camp with his command, which had been partially aid- 
ed by a detachment of New Jersey militia. Here he, 
his officers and soldiers, received the thanks of the 
commander-in-chief and the blessings of the army. 

During the remainder of the season, matters at Val- 
ley Forge continued pretty much in statu quo. The 
comforts of the army were " few, and far between," 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 53 

whilst Washington and his officers were using every 
exertion to perfect the troops in the art of war ; nor did 
Sir William Howe, at any time, visit them at their 
quarters, although the American general and his army 
calculated on that event. 

The British commander-in-chief ^penT the spring of 
1778, nearly in a state of inaction, confining his opera- 
tions to sending out foraging and predatory parties, 
which did some mischief to the country, and but little 
service to the royal cause. 



54 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 



CHAPTER IV. 

The British evacuate Philadelphia. — Washington holds a 
council of his officers — pursuit of the British through New 
Jersey. — Battle of Monmouth — Wayne — Gen. Charles Lee. 
— Washington's commendation of Wayne — great rejoic- 
ings in consequence of this victory. — Wayne's account of 
the battle so far as he was personally concerned in it — his 
letter of July 12th. — Court Martial of Gen. Lee — Wayne a 
witness — Lee's strictures upon his testimony — correspond- 
ence in consequence. — Wayne joins the main army at 
White Plains — his account of Col. Baylor's disaster — let- 
ters, etc. 

The issue of the two campaigns had already con- 
vinced Sir William Howe, that the result of the con- 
test in the provinces could by no possibility be such as 
the British government had expected, when in 1775 
they engaged in it. Some time previous to the open- 
ing of the campaign of 1778, he, at his own request, 
was recalled, and the command in chief devolved on 
Sir Henry Clinton. The latter arrived at Philadelphia 
on the 8th of June, where he found peremptory orders 
from his government for the immediate evacuation of 
the city. These orders were in consequence of the 
advanced state of the negotiations then in progress be- 
tween the American commissioners at the court of 
France and the French government, apprehensive as 
the British ministry were that a fleet fitted out at Tou- 
lon was destined to the Delaware, and to co-operate 
with Washington against Philadelphia. Howe, they 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 55 

were apprehensive, if a French fleet should blockade 
his squadron in the Delaware, whilst Washington en- 
closed him on the land side, would share the fate of 
Burgoyne, who had been so signally defeated in Octo- 
ber of the preceding year. 

The intended evacuation of the city could not long 
be concealed, in consequence of the preparations neces- 
sary on the part of the British, and it soon became 
known in the American camp. Washington, on the 
17th of June, called a council of war, when the opinion 
of all his general officers was required, on the proper 
course to be pursued, all of whom concurred in the sen- 
timent that it would not be advisable to disturb the 
British while crossing the Delaware, or to enter the 
works about Philadelphia until they should be entirely 
evacuated. On the subject of a general or even a par- 
tial action, whilst the enemy should be on their march, 
a diversity of opinion existed. Out of the number of 
seventeen general officers, Wayne and Cadwalader 
were the only two who were decidedly in favor of 
attacking the enemy ; La Fayette inclined to this opi- 
nion, without absolutely adopting it ; Greene was dis- 
posed for something more than the council were wil- 
ling to concur in. 

On the 1 8th of June, the British evacuated Philadel- 
phia, crossed the Delaware, and commenced their diffi- 
cult march through Jersey. On the same day, Gen. 
Washington broke up his camp at Valley Forge, for 
the purpose of following them, with views which were 
to be regulated by contingencies. He *' put his troops 
in motion for Coryell's ferry ; taking this upper route, 
as well to avoid a general action in conformity to the 
opinion of the council, as to keep himself prepared to 
preoccupy the mountain passes, leading to the posts in 



56 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

tlie Highlands, should the seizure of these make any 
part of Clinton's plan of operation."* 

On the 24th, the main body of the American army 
was encamped about five miles from Princeton, and 
that of the British at Allentown. Being thus relatively 
situated as to his enemy, Washington again convened 
his council of general officers, and stated to them the 
following facts : " The enemy's force is between nine 
and ten thousand rank and file. The American army 
on the ground is 10,684 effective rank and file, beside 
the advanced brigade under Gen. Maxwell of about 
1200, and about 1200 militia." After this statement 
he proposed the question " Will it be advisable to haz- 
ard a general action ;" all the generals composing the 
council, excepting Wayne, (Cadwalader being absent,) 
gave a negative answer, like that of the day preceding 
the movement of the army from Valley Forge. It was 
however agreed to strengthen the detachments which 
were then hovering on the flanks and rear of the British 
army, with an additional number of 1500 men, in pur- 
suance of which Gen. Scott joined the advanced troops 
with that body of men. 

Marshall, in his Life of Washington, says, " Though 
every general officer, except Wayne, had signed the 
opinion, given on the 24th, respecting the strength of 
this last detachment, yet the council had, on that point, 
been nearly equally divided. Those who were deci- 
dedly against hazarding a serious action, either general 
or partial, conceived the number agreed on competent 
to every purpose which ought to be contemplated; 
while others, who privately wished to bring on some- 
thing more than light skirmishing, but had not suffi- 
cient confidence in themselves to hazard the responsi- 

• Sparks' American Biography. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 57 

bility of openly advising the measure, were desirous 
of augmenting it to 2000 or 2500 men." The fact was, 
as the same writer has said — " The American officers 
seem to have been influenced ky the councils of the 
Europeans." 

Gen. Washington, who although cautious, yet pos- 
sessing a very enterprising disposition, did, from the 
commencement, indulge in the most anxious desire to 
close with his antagonist, and finding himself support- 
ed by some officers whom he highly valued, he " re- 
solved to take his measures on his own responsibility 
and without calling another council." He, therefore, 
despatched Gen. Wayne, with 1 000 selected men, to join 
the advanced corps, which now amounting to upwards 
of 4000, became a major-general's command, and the 
Marquis de La Fayette was ordered to that duty. These 
facts clearly evidenced Washington's intention that his 
antagonist should not escape without a general action ; 
inasmuch as Wayne had openly advocated that measure, 
and La Fayette was favorable to a partial one, there- 
fore, if an opening occurred it was certain that those 
officers would attack with their whole force, which it 
would be necessary to support with the main army. 
They were also accompanied by Col. Hamilton, aid to 
the commander-in-chief, " who felt the strongest desire 
to signalize the detachment, and to accomplish all the 
wishes of his general." 

With these orders. La Fayette, on the 26th, took a 
position on the Monmouth road, five miles in the rear 
of the British camp ; l^it the main army, owing to bad 
weather and scarcity of provisions, was not sufficiently 
advanced to support the movement, and the corps was 
recalled on the morning of the 27th to English town. 

Gen. Lee in the first instance, although entitled to 
Uiis command, declined it, as he was against both a 



58 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

partial or general action ; but, discovering that his hav 
ing declined it, was lessening him in the estimation of 
both officers and soldiers, he now solicited it. Wasli- 
ington granted his request, provided La Fayette had 
not commenced any enterprise. Lee advanced with 
two additional brigades, and no enterprise having been 
commenced by La Fayette, although on the very eve 
of it, the senior general assumed the command of the 
advanced corps, now amounting to several thousand 
men. 

Lee encamped at English town, and the main army 
moved forward about three miles in his rear. Sir 
Henry Clinton had taken a strong position near Mon- 
mouth Court House, about seven miles in advance of 
Lee, whilst Morgan's corps hung on the enemy's right, 
and Gen. Dickenson on their left. 

This being the relative situation of the armies, Wash- 
ington determined to attack the British rear the moment 
they moved from their ground. About 5 o'clock in the 
morning of the 28th of June, intelligence was received 
that the front of the enemy was in motion. The troops 
were immediately put under arms, and orders despatch- 
ed to Gen. Lee, directing him to move on and attack 
the rear, " unless there should be jiowerful reasons to 
the contrary." — He at the same time was informed, 
that the main body would be on its march to support 
him. In pursuance of these orders, Lee made his dis- 
positions for attack, from which Sir Henry Clinton dis- 
covering that his flanks and rear were both threatened, 
and becoming alarmed for his baggage, sent it forward, 
and covered the rear with " the strength and flower of 
his army." Gen. Lee, in the first instance, supposing 
that their rear was protected by no more than 1800 or 
2000 men, gave orders to Gen. Wayne to advance on 
them, with 700 men and two pieces of artillery, while 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 59 

he, by a short route on the left, would gain their front, 
and by these means cut off the covering party from the 
main body. Sir Henry, discovering Wayne advancing, 
immediately wheeled about a body of horse and infan- 
try, and commenced an attack, which was gallantly and 
speedily repulsed, and intended to be followed up by 
the artillery and a charge of bayonet. But while the 
disposition was making for this purpose, a general re- 
treat of the whole advanced corps was ordered, which 
Lee afterwards stated was done for the purpose of fall- 
ing back on more eligible ground, that on which he had 
been " having in its rear a morass, passable only by a 
single and narrow causeway, wholly unfit for the pur- 
poses of either regular retreat or speedy reinforcement." 
Gen. Wayne, having been unsupported in his gal- 
lant movement against the enemy, experienced great 
difficulty in reaching the retreating troops. At this 
moment Washington rode up, beholding, with equal 
surprise and mortification, the flower of the army re- 
tiring before the enemy, without having made but one, 
and that unsupported, effort to maintain their ground. 
He indignandy rode up to Lee and made use of words 
that implied censure. Lee felt it, and replied in unbe- 
coming language. Washington passed on to the rear 
of the retreating troops, whom he found closely press- 
ed by the enemy — when he instantly took an advan- 
tageous piece of ground, and there posted a body of 
troops in order to give the enemy the first check. Lee, 
being told by one of the aids, that Washington had 
himself taken the command, replied " Then I have no- 
thing further to do ;" turned his horse and rode after 
his excellency in front. When he came up, Washing- 
ton gave him orders to take proper measures with the 
residue of his division, and to stop the British column 
on the ground where he now stood. Lee replied, 



60 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

** Your orders shall be obeyed, and I will not be the 
first to leave the field."* 

After this, Washington immediately rode forward to 
the main army, which was formed with the utmo^ ex- 
pedition. The general action presently commenced. 
The day was excessively warm and sultry .t The 
Americans, though much fatigued by their previous 
march, fought with determined bravery, and the British 
were compelled to give way. Taking advantage of the 
night, the approach of which probably saved them from 
a total rout, they withdrew, and at daybreak had gain- 
ed the heights of Middletown, having left behind them 
such of their wounded as could not with safety be re- 
moved. 

This engagement produced an additional sprig of 
laurel for the wreath of Anthony Wayne. The com- 
mander-in-chief, in his official report to Congress, ob- 
serves — " AVere I to close my account of this day's 
transactions without expressing my obligations to the 
officers of the army in general, I should do injustice to 



* Charles Lee, a major-general in the army of the Ameri- 
can revolution, born in North Wales, and became an officer 
[in the English army] at an early age. In 1773 he sailed for 
New York. Espousing the cause of the colouies, he* receiv- 
ed a commission from Congress. In 1778, he was arraigned 
before a Court Martial, in consequence of his misconduct at 
the battle of Monmouth, and was suspended for one year. He 
retired to a hovel in Virginia, living in entire seclusion, sur- 
rounded by his books and his dogs. In 1782, he went to re- 
side in Philadelphia, where he died in obscurity, October 2d, 
of the same year. He was a man of much energy and cou- 
rage, with considerable literary attainments, but morose and 
avaricious. — Biog. Dictionary. 

f Many of the soldiers, (especially of the British army, iu 
consequence of their thick clothing) dropped dead from the 
heat, it is said. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. bl 

their merit and violence to my own feelings. They 
seemed to vie with each other in manifesting their zeal 
and bravery. The catalogue of those who distinguish- 
ed themselves is too long to admit of particularizing 
individuals. I cannot, however, forbear mentioning 
Brigadier-General Wayne, whose good conduct and 
bravery, throughout the whole action,, deserves par- 
ticular commendation." 

This splendid victory was joyfully hailed by the 
patriotic portion of the people throughout the confede- 
rated colonies, and Congress returned thanks to Gen. 
Washington and his army. 

The following extract from a letter of Wayne to his 
family, gives a concise account of the battle of Mon- 
mouth, so far as he was personally engaged in it : 

" Spottswoody ist July, 1778. 
" On Sunday, the 28th of June, our flying army 
came in view of the enemy about 8 o'clock in the 
morning, when I was ordered to advance and attack 
them with a few men, the remainder of the corps, un- 
der General Lee, was to have supported me ; we ac- 
cordingly advanced and received a charge from the 
British horse and infantry, which was soon repulsed. 
Our general, however, thought proper to order a retreat, 
in place of advancing, without firing a single shot, the 
enemy following in force, which rendered it very diffi- 
cult for the small force I had to gain the main body, 
being hard pushed, and frequently nearly surrounded. 
After falling back almost a mile, we met his excellency, 
who, surprised at our retreat, knowing that officers as 
well as men were in high spirits, and wished for no- 
thing more than to be faced about and meet the British 
fire, accordingly ordered me to keep post where he met 
us, having a body of troops with two pieces of artillery 
6 



62 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

then under my command, and to keep the enemy in 
play until he had an opportunity of forming the main 
army and restoring order. 

" We had just taken post when the enemy began 
their attack with horse, foot and artillery ; the fire of 
their united force obliged us, after a severe conflict, to 
give way ; after which a most severe cannonade, ac- 
companied by small arms, was opened by our left wing 
on the enemy, which gave them an effectual check. 
During the interval, which this occasioned, every pos- 
sible exertion was made use of by his excellency and 
the other generals to spirit up the troops, and prepare 
them for another trial. 

" The enemy began to advance again in a heavy 
column with the view of turning our left flank, but in 
this they failed. They then made a similar effort on 
our right, and whilst our artillery was handsomely 
playing on them, I advanced with a strong body of 
troops — we met the enemy — the contest was exceed- 
ingly warm and well maintained on each side for a con- 
siderable time ; at length victory declared for us ; Bri- 
tish courage failed, and was forced to give way to 
American valor. 

"After retreating some considerable distance, the 
enemy took a strong position. General Washington, 
although many of our men were falling with thirst, 
heat and fatigue, resolved to renew the action, and made 
his disposition for that purpose, but night prevented 
their final execution. 

" We encamped on the field of battle with a view of 
recommencing the action in the morning ; but Sir 
Henry deemed it prudent to evade this, by retreating 
in the dead of night ; after having interred many of his 
killed, yet leaving us to bury some of his distinguished 
officers, and two hundred and forty-five of his soldiers, 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 63 

besides taking charge of a great number of his wound- 
ed. Our loss in this affair consists of a few gallant 
officers killed and wounded, and many brave soldiers 
in a similar state. 

" Every general and other officer, (one excepted,) 
did every thing that could be expected on this great oc- 
casion, but Pennsylvania showed the road to victory. 

"Anthony Wayne." 

The palm of victory was certainly Washington's on 
this day ; although his triumph was not complete. Had 
his generals concurred with him as to the advisability 
of a general action, and not by an almost unanimously 
adverse opinion " trammelled his conduct and circum- 
scribed his views ;" had not the advanced corps, by 
precipitately falling back, surprising and confusing the 
troops which were rushing to its aid, and in conse- 
quence requiring different and instantaneous arrange- 
ments to be made in the front of a gallant foe who had 
every thing at stake — the 28th of June, as the 4th of 
July, would have been altogether " Worthy of adora- 
tion, and ever adored." 

Sir Henry CHnton, in his official statement, reported 
his dead and missing at four officers and one hundred 
and eighty -four privates, his wounded at sixteen officers 
and fifty-four privates. — "The stubborn fact" of bury- 
ing the dead, contradicts the correctness of Sir Henry's 
statement. He left on the field of battle, independently 
of those whom his own troops interred, four officers 
and two hundred and forty-five privates, whose bodies 
were buried on the field by persons appointed for that 
express business, and whose report was handed to the 
commander-in-chief. Some others were afterwards 
discovered and interred, increasing the amount to up- 
wards of three hundred. This was not the only de- 



64 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

ception of the kind used by the British commanders 
during the revolutionary war ; they made use of every 
art to prevent a knowledge of their numbers in killed 
and wounded. 

The following is an extract of a letter of Wayne, to 
a friend, on this subject. 

''Paramus, l2thJuly, 1778. 

" We have been in perpetual motion ever since we 
crossed the Delaware, until yesterday, when we arriv- 
ed here, where we shall be stationary for a few days, 
in order to recruit a little after the fatigue which we 
have experienced in marching through deserts, burning 
sands, ect. etc. 

" The enemy, sore from the action of the 28 ult., 
seem inclined to rest also. They are now in three di- 
visions : — one on Long Island, another on Staten Island, 
and a third in New York. 

" The victory on that day turns out to be much more 
considerable than at first supposed. Col. Butler, who 
remained on the ground two or three days after the ac- 
tion, says that nearly three hundred British had been 
buried by us on the field, and numbers discovered 
every day in the woods, exclusive of those buried by 
the enemy, not much short of one hundred. So that 
by the most moderate calculation, their killed and 
wounded must amount to eleven hundred, the flower of 
their army, and many of them of the richest blood of 
England. 

"Tell those Philadelphia ladies, who attended 
Howe's assemblies and levees, that the heavenly, sweet, 
pretty red coats — the accomplished gentlemen of the 
guards and grenadiers have been humbled on the plains 
of Monmouth. The knights of the Blended Roses and 
of the Burning Mounts have resigned their laurels to 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 65 

rebel officers, who will lay them at the feet of those 
virtuous daughters of America, who cheerfully gave up 
ease and affluence in a city, for liberty and peace of 
mind in a cottage. 

" Adieu, and believe me 

" Yours most sincerely, 

"Anthony Wayne."* 

Sir Henry having in the night escaped from his ad- 
versary, as has been mentioned, took a strong position 
on the high grounds at Middleton ; where, after remain- 
ing a few days, he proceeded to Sandy Hook, whence 
he passed his army over to New York. Washington 
after paying the last honors to the gallant dead, sooth- 
ing the minds and administering to the relief of the 
wounded, proceeded by easy marches to the highlands 
of the Hudson. 

Upon the Court Martial of Gen. Lee, Wayne was an 
important witness, and the former having made some 
very severe strictures, published in a newspaper at 
Philadelphia, upon the testimony given by the latter, 
we find, after the campaign of 1778 was concluded, the 
following correspondence. 

" Elizabethtown, 7th Jan. 1779. 
" Sir — The very severe strictures which you were 
pleased to make on my evidence in the course of your 
trial on account of the action of Monmouth, and the un- 
generous, though free manner, in which you affect to 
treat my opinion and military character in that, and a 

* The allusions in this letter to Knights of the Blended 
Roses and Burning Mount, refer to the celebrated fete and 
tonmament, given at the country-seat of Marmaduke Whar- 
ton, Esq., by the officers of the British army to Sir Willianj 
Howe, previous to his sailing for Englaind. 

a* 



66 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

late publication in Mr. Dunlap's paper, give a sensa* 
tion which I can more readily feel than express. 

" If it was your intention by these strictures to injure 

my military character in the eyes of the world, I know 

that you will have the candor to acknowledge it, as well 

as courage to accept my demand of honorable redress, 

" Interim, I am your obedient, 

" Humble servant, 

"Anthony Wayne. 
Major-General LeeP 

'* Elizabethtown, 8th Jan. 1779. 

" Sir — That I should not have a right to show, when 
my life, fame and fortune are at stake, the unsound- 
ness of any opinion delivered by an evidence on the 
part of the prosecution, is left for the present humor of 
the times. You thought that we ought to have staid in 
a certain position ; I think your opinion on this point 
erroneous, and I have said so. If this is treating your 
military character with contempt, I am guilty, but in no 
other respect. 

" I can honestly assure you that I have acted with 
the greatest candor towards you on every occasion, 
when you have been mentioned as the author of my 
wicked prosecution, for so I must think it. I have 
totally exculpated you from the charge, and have done 
justice to your courage and integrity. With respect to 
my publication in Dunlap's paper, I give you my word 
and honor, than any further than condemning the posi- 
tion which you seemed to approve of, I never had you 
or any one of the evidences in my thought — perhaps 
you have conceived some expressions made use of in 
this paper as alluding to you, when they alluded to the 
proceedings of the court, which you will see in some 
strictures I shall soon publish. I will now seriously 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 67 

conjure you well to consider whether the step you are 
now taking will not hurt you more in the opinion of 
the world than any thing I have said. However, if you 
persevere in your intention, as soon as I have taken 
final leave of Congress, published my case to the world 
at large, and am sufficiently recovered from my late 
accident to act with vigor, I will not decline your invi- 
tation ; although, at the same time, I cannot help ex- 
pressing my concern that a man of your courage, and 
(I believe, firmly, integrity,) should appear in the list 
of persecutors of a man already too much persecuted 
for the honor of this country, which I will venture to 
say has been twice saved from destruction by the very 
man who now is the object of general slander, abuse, 
and very injurious treatment. 
" In the mean time, sir, 

" Your most obedient servant, 

'* Charles Lee. 
" General Wayne,'''* 

" Elizdbethtown, Sth Jan. 1779. 
" Sir — That you have a right to differ in opinion 
with me, or any other gentleman, on a point where 
" your life, fame and fortune are at stake," I readily 
grant, and that you have also a right to condemn any 
position which, in your opinion, was improper ; but I 
must still be permitted to think, that you had no right 
to take such free liberty, in other instances, with the 
military character of one who never injured you further 
than as an evidence with regard to the transactions of 
that day. You do me great injustice when you place 
me in the list of your persecutors. I should be the 
last man in this country that would be guilty of such a 
piece of cruelty, unless it be deemed persecution to ask 
redress for my injured character. 



68 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

" I very sincerely lament the illiberality of some per*' 
sons, who may be truly called persecutors, and who 
have attacked your character in the public prints in an 
unwarrantable and unmanly manner, to give it no 
harsher terms ; and I assure you my feelings have been 
much hurt by the perusal of those attacks. 

" When you have taken your ' final leave of Con- 
gress, published your case to the world, and sufficiently 
recovered from your late accident to act with vigor,^ I 
shall expect to hear from you. 

" Interim, I wish you every comfort, 

" And am your most ob'd't humble servant, 

"Anthony Wayne. 

" Major- General Zee." 

Here the matter dropped, and Gen. Lee retired into 
his seclusion, in Berkley county, Virginia ; and the se- 
quel will prove (see a letter at page 104) that really 
brave and honorable military gentlemen can soon for- 
give, if not forget their differences, or that they can 
peaceably adjust them without the ceremonious inter- 
vention of others, who too frequendy cause bloodshed 
' — in the detestable practice of duelling. It will also 
show that Gen. Lee, although of a very warm tempera- 
ment of mind, could regulate it in such a manner as to 
afford conclusive evidence not only of a great mind, but 
of a noble and magnanimous heart. 

It appears this was the only instance, in the public 
or private life of Wayne, in which he ever felt himself 
bound to avenge what he may have deemed an insult, 
in a similar manner ; nor is it known that he was ever 
" called out" by a like procedure. He was careful nol 
to give offence, and therefore he was the more likely 
not to receive any. 

So soon as Wayne was released from his attendance 



■m 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 69' 

at the Court Martial, upon the occasion in question, he 
rejoined the main army encamped at White Plains, a 
few miles to the north-eastward of New York island. 
While Sir Henry Clinton and the British army were 
feasting in New York and its vicinity, diverting them- 
selves with balls, parties, plays, military pageants, etc., 
Gen. Washington and his army were enjoying little 
more than the mental luxury of consciousness that 
they were defending a glorious cause. Colonels of 
the Pennsylvania line were now and then detached on 
distant expeditions, with each of whom Wayne cor- 
responded in a free and affectionate manner, giving 
them not only the current news of the day, but inter- 
esting circumstances relative to the army. Of the 
number detached was Col. Thomas Hartley, on a very 
irksome expedition against an incursive party of In- 
dians, whom Wayne thus addressed on the subject of 
Col. Baylor's disaster in New Jersey. This event 
happened the 27th of Sept. 1778. 

" Dear Hartley — It is with pain I inform you of 
the disaster of poor Colonel Baylor, and his regiment 
of light dragoons. A few days since, the enemy made 
a descent on New Jersey, where that corps and other 
troops were stationed. After drawing their attention 
to the front, near Hackensack, a large body of British 
troops landed at Dobbs' ferry in the night, and by the 
aid and guidance of caitiff tories, fell into the rear of 
Baylor, surprised him with his detachment, consisting 
of upwards of one hundred men, in their beds, refused 
any quarter, and in cold blood most barbarously and 
mercilessly put to the bayonet men naked and unarmed, 
begging for compassion, being incapable of resistance. 

" Among the dead is Major Clow, with several other 
officers. Colonel Baylor is yet alive, but supposed to 



70 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

be mortally wounded, having three stabs in his body. 
One officer, a captain, with ten men, was surrounded 
in the house where he was quartered, for the men were 
cantoned in different houses ; he offered to surrender 
if they would give him quarters, which they peremp- 
torily refused, and ordered the d d rebel to be bayo- 

netted. — He had a pistol in his hand, which he fired in 
the face of the officer commanding the party, which 
opened the way for himself and companions to escape. 
I cannot find that they gave quarters to any — though 
many are still alive covered with wounds, Avho may 
yet survive to avenge the fate of their unfortunate com- 
rades. This will be a severe stroke on the ancient do- 
minion; as we have heard, which I sincerely hope 
may not turn out to be the fact, that several young fel- 
lows of family have fallen, among others a Captain 
Fitztew. 

" The caitiffs retired with the utmost precipitation, 
on hearing that a body of troops were in full march to 
return the compliment. 

" The enemy have carefully avoided a general action, 
but they have taken every opportunity of striking our 
small parties, which, as in this instance, being masters 
of the water, they are enabled to facilitate. 

" His excellency received, some time since, a very 
polite letter from Sir Henry Clinton, thanking him for 
the humanity and attention with which the wounded 
and prisoners were treated after the battle of Mon- 
mouth; with an assurance that such officers and pri- 
vates belonging to us, as the fortune of war should 
throw into his power, should experience the like treat- 
ment. 

" I hope, indeed I cannot doubt, that his excellency 
has thanked him in turn, and solemnly assured him 
that he has a just sense of the acknowledgment which 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 71 

he has made, and that he has cheerfully received it as 
a pledge that, on all future occasions, the American 
prisoners will experience similar humanity and atten- 
tion. 

" A packet has just arrived from England, we, there- 
fore, expect a movement of some kind to take place 
immediately ; but whether they will act in America, or 
withdraw their forces, time alone will determine. For 
my part I think D'Estaing's fleet and Boston are thef 
most likely objects. I am not quite so sanguine as 
some others about their acknowledging our indepen- 
dence, without a further contest, especially as they have 
just now sent a fresh reinforcement of 3000 men from 
England to New York, so that, in all probability, we 
may yet fight and conquer side by side. I dread infi- 
nitely more the length of the British purse than that of 
their bayonets. I am, with every sentiment of esteem, 

" Your friend and most ob'd't humble servant, 

" Anthony Wayne. 

" Colonel Hartley:' 

The villanous and barbarous butchery, mentioned 
in this letter, was perpetrated by the positive orders of 
Grey, (the same who commanded at the massacre near 
Paoli) who, it appears, was the only general officer in 
the British army totally devoid of humanity, and re- 
gardless of every principle of honorable warfare. 

As in the early part of the campai^ i of 1777, so in 
the latter part of that of 1778, Wayne was addressed 
by many of his former political associates on the sub- 
ject of the jarring views and interests of the people 
within his native state. All these communications de- 
sired his presence, for the purpose of aiding in the pro- 
curement of relief from men and measures, which, in 
the opinions of the writers, were rapidly degrading 



72 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

Pennsylvania. It would appear that the gentlemen 
who addressed him, were also desirous that he should 
lend his presence, aid and interest in obtaining the call 
of a convention, for the purpose of amending the con- 
stitution of Pennsylvania. 

As the principal object of this memoir is to exhibit 
the military, and not the poUtical character of Gen. 
Wayne, only one of those addresses, and his reply, 
will be noticed. Their brevity, as well as the justice 
of showing the estimation in which Wayne was held 
as a private citizen, by some of the most celebrated 
men in the state, will be, no doubt, a sufficient apology 
for their introduction. 

" Dear Sir — Affairs now wear a very pleasing as- 
pect in Pennsylvania. A majority of the members, 
elected for the Assembly, are sincerely and warmly 
disposed to rescue their country from tyranny and from 
contempt. In the county of Chester there has been a 
double return of members, and a new election may 
perhaps be the consequence of it. Your presence in 
that county and in this city, during this important con- 
juncture, will be of signal service in many respects, 
which we forbear to mention in a letter. The situa- 
tion of the army will probably admit of your absence 
for some time from camp. Let us, therefore, have the 
pleasure of seeing you here as soon as possible. Mat- 
ters are now approaching a crisis ; and in a few weeks 
it will be determined whether the state of Pennsylvania 
shall be happy under a good constitution, or be op- 
pressed by one of the most detestable that ever was 
formed. We need say no more to induce you to be 
with us. 

" We are your very humble servants.* 

♦(Signed,) Thomas Mifflin, Mark Bird, Jonathan Potts, Ed- 
vard Biddle, Samuel Potts, and James Wilson. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 73 

^^Fredericksburg, 23c? November, 1778. 

" Gentlemen — It affords me the sincerest plea- 
sure to hear that our state is likely to be rescued from 
usurpation and tyranny, with which she has too long 
been oppressed. She once stood on high ground, and 
I have the most flattering hopes that her present leaders 
will place her there again. 

*' The army is on the point of moving. As soon as 
we reach the place for winter quarters, I shall try to'' 
be with you, and will most cheerfully contribute my 
small influence towards restoring the shattered consti- 
tution of my native state. Present my best wishes to 
our friends in the Assembly, and believe me, with every 
sentiment of esteem, yours most sincerely, 

"Anthony Wayne. 

^'■Messrs. Thomas Mifflin, etc'^ 

Although the returns of members for the General 
Assembly, in the autumn of 1778, were not made up 
of a majority of precisely such men as the truly pa- 
triotic had anticipated, yet an unusually large portion of 
talent and worth were brought into the Legislature. Of 
which no stronger evidence could have been given than 
the election of Joseph Reed to the presidency of the 
council, and consequently to the chief magistracy of the 
state. This gentleman was both an accomplished mili- 
tary officer, and a deeply read civilian ; and under his 
auspices Pennsylvania rose into consequence, not only 
in her own estimation, but in that of the sister re- 
publics.* 



• Joseph Reed, a patriot of the American revolution. In 
1778, he was chosen president of Pennsylvania, and retained 
that office till 1781. — Biographical Dictionary. His death 
took place March 5th, 1785. 
4 



74 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 



CHAPTER V. 

The American army in winter quarters — Wayne's exertions 
to relieve their sufferings — letter to Washington — he wishes 
to form a light corps — passes a short time in Chester coun- 
ty — his correct views of the state of public affairs — his let- 
ter of Feb. 18th, 1779 — formation of the light corps, and 
his bias in favor of an elegant uniform — his letter to Col. 
Stewart — ^he rejoins the army at Head Quarters — move- 
ments of the British — distress of the American army — 
Stony Point iii the hands of the British — the recapture of 
it considered, and the enterprise intrusted to Wayne — the 
night of the 15th of July, 1779 — the storming of Stony 
Point, etc. 

The American army continued at White Plains, 
watching the movements of the enemy, from the begin- 
ning of July till the latter end of autumn, 1778, when 
Washington retired to take up his winter quarters in 
huts which he had caused to be constructed at Middle- 
brook, in New Jersey. So late as the latter end of 
December, these huts had not yet been completed, as 
we find by a letter of Wayne to President Reed. The 
follotV'ing extract presents the condition of the Ameri- 
can army at this time. 

''Millstone, 2Sth December, 1778. 
" Sir — I should long since acknowleged the receipt 
of yours of the 25th of October, but expected the plea- 
sure of waiting on you in Philadelphia. The ma- 
noeuvres of the enemy, up the North river, have put 
us so far back in hutting, that all the Pennsylvania line 
are, at this inclement season, exposed to wind and 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 75 

weather in their old tents, one-third of them quite des- 
titute of blankets and without hats — suffering every 
possible extreme of fatigue and cold, to which the offi- 
cers are also exposed, and that in a situation still more 
intolerable than the soldiery — the latter having good 
uniform coats and under clothing, whilst the former are 

actually so naked as not to be fit to appear on parade. 

***** 

" I have already observed that the subject must be 
ungrateful, but it is a duty which I owe to my country, 
to myself, and to the worthy officers whom I have the 
honor to command, to represent their well founded com- 
plaints, founded upon facts which materially concern 
the honor of Pennsylvania, and the good of the service 
in general ; in full confidence that you, sir, will lay the 
whole before the Legislature of the state, and give it 
that countenance which you think it may merit. 

" I neither ask nor desire any thing on my own ac- 
count. I wish for nothing more than an opportunity 
of returning to my Sabine fields with safety to my 
country and honor to myself." 

After he had seen the Pennsylvania line comfortably 
quartered in their huts, Wayne surrendered the com- 
mand to Maj. Gen. St. Clair, and repaired to Philadel- 
phia, where he addressed the commander-in-chief, as 
follows : 

''Philadelphia, lOth Feb., 1779. 
*' Dear General — I did myself the honor of writing 
to you on the 20th ultimo, mentioning that I was ne- 
cessitated to be here at the meeting of the Assembly of 
this state, and that I should take the liberty of waiting 
on you the first of this inst. for leave of absence. I 
was, unfortunately deprived the pleasure of seeing you, 
by passing down the Jersey shore, whilst you were on 



.b LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

your way for camp on the Pennsylvania side of the 
Delaware. 

" I made a point of having my people well and com- 
fortably covered previous to my leaving them, and hope 
that the appearance of the men, and the regularity and 
internal police of our new city, have met your excel- 
lency's approbation. 

" I also flatter myself that General St. Clair will be 
pleased with the command of troops that always have 
done, and ever will do, their duty in the field ; and that 
they, on their part, will be happy under the conduct of 
a gentleman of his distinguished merit ; a gentleman to 
whom I cheerfully give place, and sincerely esteem. It 
is known to your excellency that, although a brigadier, 
I have commanded a division nearly the whole of the 
two last campaigns, whilst the colonels in the Penn- 
sylvania line have, for the greater part of that time, al- 
ternately conducted brigades, on account of the defi- 
ciency of general officers ; I have so much sympathy 
for the feelings of those ofl[icers that I cannot think of 
resuming the command of a brigade. 

" I, therefore, wish to be indulged with a situation in 
the LIGHT CORPS, if it can take place without prejudice 
to the service, or the exclusion of an oificer of more 
worth and experience ; but if that cannot be done — I 
beg your excellency not to spend another thought, or 
give yourself a single moment's uneasiness on the oc- 
casion — but permit me to hope for the continuance of 
that friendship with which you have heretofore honor- 
ed me, and, in case of an active campaign, the pleasure 
of serving near your person as a volunteer. 
" Believe me to be 

" Your excellency's most ob't. 

" Anthony Waynb. 

^^His Excellency Gen, IVashington''' 



I 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 77 

The first hours of Gen. Wayne's relaxation from 
camp duty were devoted to his family and friends, in 
Chester county — here he passed a few days among 
those scenes of domestic happiness and social inter- 
course for which he possessed so great a predilection, 
but the enjoyment of which very rarely fell to his lot 
during an eventful life. After a sliort visit in Chester 
county, he returned to Philadelphia, where he found a 
letter to him from Gen. Washington, assuring him that 
*' so soon as the army would admit of the formation of 
a respectable light corps, his wishes should be grati- 
fied ;" and in the meantime he very cheerfully granted 
him leave of absence. 

To this Wayne replied — 

''Philadelphia, 2SthFeb., 1779. 

"1)ear General — ^Having been absent from this 
city on a visit to my farm, it was not until this moment 
I had the honor of receiving your favor of the 16th. It 
gives me sincere pleasure to find that the construction 
and disposition of the Pennsylvania barracks meet your 
approbation. 

" When the arrangement of the army, and other cir- 
cumstances will afford an opportunity for the forma- 
tion of the light corps, or upon any movement of the 
enemy, I shall expect and be happy to receive your 
excellency's commands. In the interim, I have an 
affair of some delicacy, as well as matters relating to 
my private fortune, which claim some attention ; but 
these shall never prevent me from doing my duty in 
the field, when my general or country requires my at- 
tendance. 

" If it is necessary that I should be present, or that 
I can in the least degree assist in or facilitate the forma- 
tion of the corps in which your excellency has been 



78 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

SO indulgent as to offer me a command, you will please 
to signify it ; and believe me, with sincere esteem, 
" Your most obedient and 

" Very humble servant, 

"Anthony Wayne. 
"jH?5 Excellency General Washington J*^ 

During the winter, whilst in Philadelphia, Wayne 
received the most flattering marks of attention from the 
citizens, the heads of the departments, and the mem- 
bers of the legislative bodies, then convened in that 
city. But a new cause of vexation had now arisen, 
which he shared in common with Washington and the 
officers of the army, viz : the notion of peace, which 
was now so much talked of, and in the illusion of 
which, the constituted authorities overlooked the com- 
forts of the army, not considering it necessary to pro- 
vide for men whose services they infatuatedly thought 
would no longer be necessary. Indeed, at no period, 
during the revolutionary struggle, were the affairs of 
that glorious cause in greater jeopardy than at this 
crisis. The French minister, M. Gerard, had, by 
written communications to, and personal conference 
with, Congress, held out such strong expectations of a 
general peace throughout Christendom, that the prin- 
cipal anxiety which appeared to exist on the subject, 
both in the mind of the minister and tlie French court 
was, that America might delay, if not defeat, the de- 
sirable event, by asking more than European sovereigns 
would be disposed to grant; hence M. Gerard exerted 
his arguments and influence to induce the United States 
to reduce their ultimatum as low as might be compatible 
with their independency. The whole nation, with 
Congress at its head, became so infatuated with the 
prospect of peace, that every other public considera- 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 79 

tion was sacrificed to this illusion. Says an eminent 
writer of the time, " Wednesday, the 30th of Decem- 
ber, 1778, was observed, by order of Congress, as a 
thanksgiving day. At this very period the afFairs of 
the United States were in the most distressed, ruinous, 
and deplorable condition. Idleness, dissipation, and 
extravagance, seemed to have laid fast hold of the gen- 
erality ; and peculation, speculation, and an insatiable 
thirst for riches, to have gotten the better of every other 
consideration, and almost of every order of men. Party 
disputes and personal quarrels were the great business 
of the day, while the momentous concerns of the em- 
pire, a great and accumulated debt, ruined finances, de- 
preciated money, and a want of credit, which is tlie 
consequence in the want of every thing, were but 
secondary considerations, and postponed by Congress, 
from time to time, as if their affairs wore the most 
promising aspect. The paper was sinking in Phila- 
delphia, daily, 50 per cent., and yet an assembly, a 
concert, a dinner or supper, which cost J6200 or c^300, 
did not only take men off from acting, but even of 
thinking of this business — some of the most interested 
and patriotic Americans felt more real distress on ac- 
count of this appearance of things, than they had done 
at any one time since the commencement of the dis- 
pute." 

That guardian angel of the United States, the be- 
loved Washington, seeing, knowing, and feeling this 
most alarming state of affairs, thus addressed " a very 
respectable friend, and a gentleman of splendid politi- 
cal talents :" 

" I am particularly desirous of a free communication 
of sentiments with you at this time, because I view 
things very differently, I fear, from what people in 
general do, who seem to think the contest at an end, 



80 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

and that to make money and get places, are the only 
tilings now remaining to be done. I have seen, with- 
out despondency, even for a moment, the hours which 
America has styled her gloomy ones, but I have beheld 
no day since the commencement of hostilities, when I 
have thought her liberties in such imminent danger jks 
at present. Our enemy behold, with exultation and 
joy, how effectually we labor for their benefit; and, 
from being in a state of absolute despair, and on the 
point of evacuating America, are now on tiptoe. 
Nothing, therefore, in my judgment, can save us, but 
a total reformation in our own conduct, or some de- 
cisive turn of affairs in Europe." He proceeds to say, 
" It is a fact too notorious to be concealed, that Con- 
gress is rent by party, that much business of a trifling 
nature and personal concernment withdraws their at- 
tention from matters of great national moment, at this 
critical period — when it is also known that idleness 
and dissipation take place of close attention and appli- 
cation, &c." 

Gen. Wayne was fully aware of the alarming su- 
pineness which pervaded the constituted authorities of 
the country. Even prior to leaving the camp, he could 
not but perceive its indications, and he anticipated the 
evils which must result from the indifference with 
which the comforts of the army were treated. From 
the camp he despatched confidential officers to the seat 
of government, (Philadelphia) for the purpose of re- 
presenting, and opening the way for redress of griev- 
ances, Avhich both the officers and soldiers of the Penn- 
sylvania line were suffering. One of these officers 
thus animadverts upon the state of society in the me- 
tropolis at that time : — " I am distressed, my dear 
general, at the present prospect, I must assure you. 
Nothing but party reigns in different bodies. Every 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 81 

thing confirms the opinion that the enemy have been 
too long in this country. — Permit me now to say a 
little of the dress, manners, and customs of the town's 
people. In respect to the first, great alterations have 
taken place since I was last here. It is all gaiety, and, 
from what I can observe, every lady and .gendemari 
endeavors to outdo the other in splendor and show ; the 
manners of the ladies are much changed ; they have 
really, in a great measure, lost that native innocence in 
their manners, which formerly was their characteristic^ 
and supplied its place with what they call an easy be- 
havior, &c. 

" The manner of entertaining, in this place, has like- 
wise undergone its change. You cannot conceive any 
thing more elegant than the present taste ; you will 
hardly dine at a table but they present you with three 
courses, and each of them iu the most elegant man- 
ner." 

The dinner parties, balls, and various splendors, so 
freely indulged in by the officers of the British army 
while in Philadelphia, appear to have given a taste for, 
and induced much, fashionable rivalry among the opu- 
lent families of William Penn's city. We find AVayne 
alluding to it in the following letter : 

''Philadelphia, ISth February, 1779. 
" Dear Colonel — I have been honored with two 
of your favors, the one from this place, the other from 
Virginia ; but I have never had it in my power to ac- 
knowledge them before, and I now send this as a flyer, 
by Major Forsyth, who passes near your winter quar- 
ters. I need not attempt to give you a description of 
the manners, customs, fashions and extravagance of 
this place, as you had a sample of them on your way 
through ; all the difference is, that the whole rather in- 



82 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

crease than diminish ; and party runs so high, that all 
public business is at a stand, and all public bodies 
lulled into an unworthy torpidity, from which nothing 
will rouse them but the approach of the enemy. — 
Apropos, while I am writing an express announces the 
burning of a great part of Elizabethtown, with Go- 
vernor Livingston's house, &c., and that the enemy are 
in force two miles on this side of the town. Should 
they proceed farther, I will join General Washington 
as a volunteer ; and in the interim will, as I have done 
ever since my arrival, enjoy every moment that I can 
spare, and participate in every pleasure this place 
affords ; and this, too, without the least contamina- 
tion. 

" I must do the citizens the justice to say, that they 
have honored me with every attention, and treated me 
with every possible politeness. You know that I have 
a fondness for ladies' society, yet, excepting the few 
days which I spent with my family in Chester county, 
I have not been at a single tea-party since my leaving 
the army. I have many cards of invitation, and I 
mean to avail myself of them ; this is an indulgence 
which I have some right to claim, having been seques- 
tered nearly four years from the society of the fair, 
and perhaps the next fair bullet may make my quietus ; 
but a truce to this. 

"A light corps, on a respectable establishment, is 
about to be formed. His excellency has lately written 
to me on the subject, and has offered me a command 
in it, which, under existing circumstances, I will cheer- 
fully accept. My best wishes to all our brother offi- 
cers, and believe me, yours, most respectfully, 

"Anthony Wayne." 

As soon as it was known that a corps of light in- 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 83 

fantry was about to be composed of a select body of 
troops from the different regiments of the army, and 
that the commander-in-chief had resolved to honor 
Gen. Wayne with its command, the latter was ad- 
dressed by many distinguished officers, both of the 
Pennsylvania and other lines, expressing an ardent de- 
sire to serve under him, and soliciting his interest with 
the commander-in-chief for that purpose — a circum- 
stance which induced Gen. Wayne to address the fol- 
lowing letter to Washington : 

''Philadelphia, May lOth, 1779. 

" Having maturely reflected on the propriety of my 
being present during the formation of the light corps, 
I am decidedly of opinion, from the numerous letters 
which I have received from different officers, that I had 
better be absent, lest it should be supposed, however 
erroneously, that partiality of mine for certain officers 
had tended to bring them into the corps. If your ex- 
cellency should concur in this opinion, I then beseech 
you, in the meantime, to employ me in any other way 
by which I can render either you or my country any 
service." 

The commander-in-chief replied, "As soon as the 
light corps is organized, you shall have notice of the 
fact."* 



*In another letter to Washington, upon the subject of this 
light corps, Wayne speaks of his "insuperable bias in favor 
of an elegant uniform and soldierly appearance ; so much 
so, that I would much rather risk my life and reputation, at 
the head of the same men, in an attack, clothed and ap- 
pointed as I could wish, merely with bayonets, and a single 
charge of ammunition, than to take them as they appear 
in common, with sixty rounds of cartridges. It may be a 
false idea, but I cannot help cherishing it." 



84 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

Wayne now repaired to his farm, spending, with his 
family and friends in Chester county, the few weeks 
of interval that elapsed previous to his repairing to 
camp. The pleasure which he derived from those 
hours of domestic comfort and tranquillity discloses 
itself by the sentiments contained in the following 
letter, addressed to Col. Walter Stewart, one of his 
officers : 

^^ Easttown, Chester county, 7th June, 1779. 

" Dear Sir — Whatever crimes I may be guilty of, 
want of gratitude and sincere friendship is not among 
the number ; but you will say, you have been guilty 
of neglect in not sooner acknowledging the receipt of 
my letter of the 3d ultimo ; true, but then the pleasure 
of a rural life, from which I had been so long with- 
drawn, the many little endearing amusements it affords, 
together with the thoughts of shortly bidding a long, 
perhaps a last, adieu to them, will plead powerfully in 
mitigation of the neglect ; especially with a gentleman 
informed by so congenial a spirit, and whose heart is 
equally susceptible with my own. Do you not often 
find it troublesome, and sometimes inflicting pain ? but 
does it not richly compensate for that? Is it not of 
such a texture that, take it ^^ all in all,^^ you would not 
wish to exchange it for one more callous ? You agree, 
and pardon me. I thank you, ray dear Watt. 

'•' Now for the field of Mars. I believe that san- 
guine irod is rather thirsty for human gore. The hor- 
rid depredations of the enemy, to the southward, indi- 
cate an inundation of it. For my own part, I have 
never ceased, since the commencement of this war, 
sincerely to wish that it could be conducted with more 
liberality ; but if that is not the choice of Britain, let 
us, however reluctantly, adopt the alternative, by 
neither giving nor receiving quarter ; the sooner we 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 85 

close with them on their own ground, the better — as 
then we shall know what we have to depend on, and 
our lives be no longer the sport of premeditated and 
cool villany, but become the price of mtich blood, and 
at too great a hazard for Britons to make many pur- 
chases. 

" I expect soon to see you ; till when, and ever, be- 
lieve me, yours, 

"Anthony Wayne." 

From the tenor of this letter, it is to be presumed 
that Wayne was upon the immediate point of setting 
out for the camp at Middlebrook. But Washington 
broke up the camp at that place, and had moved the 
army before Wayne reached it, as we find by the fol- 
lowing : 

^^ Smiths in the Clove, June 21st, 1779. 

" Dear Sir — 1 request that you will join the army 
as soon as you can. I wrote you upon this subject 
before we marched from Middlebrook. But as you 
have not arrived, it is probable my letter has miscar- 
ried, or that it did not come to hand until very lately. 

"I am, dear sir, with great regard, 

" Your most obedient servant, 

" George Washington. 

^^ General Wayne.'''' 

In obedience to this call, Wayne set off, and jour- 
neyed with such despatch, that (as it appears from a 
letter addressed to his family) neither himself nor 
servant enjoyed an hour's sleep until their arrival at 
Head Quarter«[_. 

The campaign of 1779 opened under circumstances 
the most gloomy. The winter had been permitted to 
pass away without the necessary preparations for a 
8 



86 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

continuance of the war. Congress and the nation, as 
has been said, were lulled into an almost fatal lethargy, 
in consequence of a belief that peace was about to take 
place, without further exertions to secure it. 

At the time a competent army should have been in 
camp, the men were yet to enlist, owing to the late 
provisions which Congress had made for recruiting, 
(fee. The bounty offered was so low that men could 
not be procured to enter the service, and the individual 
states liad to be called on in the most pressing manner, 
by the commander-in-chief, and ultimately by Congress, 
to increase the bounty, and use every exertion to for- 
ward their respective quotas of troops. 

The British, early in July, had commenced a pre- 
datory warfare. Clinton despatched troops on expe- 
ditions against the sea-ports of Virginia, as well as 
those in the eastern states. They issued their procla- 
mations to the inhabitants, inviting and urging them to 
declare allegiance to the British monarch, George III.; 
and also promising all who should remain peaceably in 
their usual places of residence, protection in person 
and property, excepting the civil and military officers 
of government ; but threatened with vengeance those 
who neglected the warning. An historian of the time 
says: — "The address, or proclamation, was merely 
farcical ; for instead of leaving them to consult each 
other on the occasion, they employed force before the 
people had time to convene after the invitation was re- 
ceived. On the 5th the troops were landed in Con- 
necticut, and the British, generals immediately pro- 
ceeded to the most shameful and wanton destruction 
and abuse. Towns were delivered up to promiscuous 
plunder — " whigs and tories had, indiscriminately, 
money, plate, rings, and other articles taken from 
them ;" even cattle, by hundreds, were wantonly shot 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 87 

down in the fields. At Norwalk and Fairfield, alone, 
the British consumed four houses of pubhc worship, 
162 dwelling-houses, 142 barns, 59 stores and shops, 
independently of those consumed at Green Farms, 
New Haven, and East Haven. During those villanous 
depredations, the militia of the country gave a gallant 
but ineffectual resistance. 

In the meantime the distresses of the American 
army were so great that a mutiny had broken out in 
the New Jersey line. The Pennsylvania line also dis- 
played a mutinous spirit; but Wayne, by his strenuous 
and well-timed exertions, tranquillized the officers and 
soldiers of that state. Washington, in his communi- 
cation to Congress at this critical period, says, " that 
the distresses in some corps are so great, that officers 
liave solicited even to be supplied with the clothing 
destined for the common soldiery, coarse and unsuit- 
able as it is. I had not power to comply with the 
request. The patience of men, animated by a sense 
of duty and honor, will support them to a certain 
point, beyond which it will not go. I doubt not Con- 
gress will be sensible of the danger of an extreme 
in this respect, and will pardon my anxiety to obvi- 
ate it." 

In addition to these mortifications, Washington, who 
had been industriously endeavoring to fortify West 
Point and the Highlands of the North river, was 
doomed to receive another in the capture of Stony 
Point by the enemy. " Some miles below West Point, 
about the termination of the Highlands, is King's ferry, 
where the great road, affording the most convenient 
communication between the middle and eastern states, 
crosses the North river. The ferry is completely com- 
manded by the two opposite points of land. The one 
on the west side, which is a very rough and elevated 



OO LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

piece of ground, is called Stony Point, and the other, 
on the east side, which is a flat neck of land project- 
ing far into the water, is termed Verplank's Point. To 
secure those points was a matter of vast importance, 
both to the British and American commander-in-chief; 
hence the latter had extended the plan of fortifying the 
Highlands, so as to comprehend within it this valuable 
position." * 

However industriously the officers who had charge 
of fortifying Stony and Verplank's Points, labored for 
that purpose, yet only on Verplank's a small but strong 
work had been completed and garrisoned by 70 men, 
under Captain Armstrong, whilst the works on Stony 
Point, of much greater extent, and of incomparably 
more importance, were unfinished. 

To arrest the progress of these fortifications. Sir 
Henry Clinton sailed with a fleet up the Hudson, and 
landed his troops in two divisions ; the one under Gen. 
Vaughan, destined against the works at Verplank's, on 
the east side of the river — the other, which he com- 
manded in person, against those of Stony Point, on 
the west side. The fortifications on Stony Point being 
unfinished, were abandoned without resistance, on the 
approach of the enemy, who instantly commenced 
dragging some heavy cannon and mortarS to the sum- 
mit of the hill, and on the next morning, about sun- 
rise, opened a battery on Fort Fayette, erected on Ver- 
plank's,^ the distance across being about one thousand 
yards. The cannonade during the day, from the very 
commanding position of Stony Point, as also from ves- 
sels and gun-boats in the river, occasioned much in- 
jury to the fort; which, being invested both by water 
and land, and no means of saving the garrison now re- 

• See The Casket, page 304. 



LIFE OFAXTHONY WAYNE. 89 

maining, Captain Armstrong, (who had the command) 
after a gallant resistance, was compelled to surrender 
himself and troops prisoners of war. Sir Henry pro- 
ceeded immediately to place both forts in what he sup- 
posed a perfect state of defence, especially that of Stony 
Point, which he garrisoned with 600 men, under the 
command of an officer distinguished for his bravery 
and circumspection. 

' Sir Henry, in consequence of the advance of Wash- 
ington towards West Point, declined a further move- 
ment up the Hudson, and retired with his army to 
Phillipsburg, about half way down towards New York 
'City, with the view of being ready to support Stony 
-and Verplank points, or any other of his garrisons on 
the river, in the event of an attack upon them. 

The capture of Stony Point had occurred before the 
arrival of Wayne at Head Quarters. The recapture 
of this important post was now the object of Gen. 
Washington ; and, so soon as Wayne arrived, a corps 
of light infantry was formed, the command given to 
him, and a service worthy of the corps and their leader, 
assigned to them. 

" Stony Point is a commanding hill projecting far 
into the Hudson, which washes three-fourths of its 
base. The remaining fourth is, in a great measure, 
covered by a deep marsh, commencing near the river 
on the upper side, and continuing into it below. Over 
this marsh there is only one crossing place. But at 
its junction with the river is a sandy beach, passable 
at low water. On the summit of this hill was erected 
a fort, which was furnished with a sufficient number 
of heavy pieces of ordnance. Several breastworks and 
strong batteries were advanced in front of the principal 
work, and about half way down the hill were two rows 
of abatis. The batteries were calculated to command 
8* 



90 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

the beach and the crossing place of the marsh, and to 
rake and enfilade any column which might be ad- 
vancing from either of those points towards the fort. 
In addition to these defences, several vessels of war 
were stationed in the river, so as, in a considerable 
degree, to command the ground at the foot of the 
hill." * 

The following was the correspondence between Gen. 
Washington and Gen. Wayne in relation to the con- 
templated recapture of this fortress : 

''New Windsor, July Isf, 1779. 

" Dear Sir — Herewith you will be pleased to re- 
ceive general instructions for your conduct. This you 
will consider as private and confidential. The impor- 
tance of the two posts of Verplank's and Stony Point, 
to the enemy, is too obvious to need explanation. We 
ought, if possible, to dispossess them. I recommend 
it to your particular attention, without delay, to gain 
as exact knowledge as you can of the number of the 
garrisons ; the state of the creeks that surround the 
former; the nature of the ground in the vicinity of 
both ; the position and strength of the fortifications ; 
the situation of the guards ; the number and stations 
of the vessels in the river, and the precautions in gen- 
eral which the enemy employ for their security. 

" It is a matter which I have much at heart, to make 
some atttempt upon these posts, in the present state of 
the garrisons, and before the enemy commence any 
other operations, if warranted by a probability of suc- 
cess. 

" I must entreat your best endeavours to acquire tlie 



Marshall's Life of Washington. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 91 

necessary information, after having obtained which, I 
shall thank you for your opinion of the practicability 
of a surprise of one or both these places, especially' 
that on the west side of the river. 

" I am, dear Sir, your most obedient servant, 

" Geo. Washington. 

" Brigadier Gen. Wayne.'''' 

Fort Montgomery, 3d July, 1779. 

" Dear General — In obedience to your excellency's 

orders, I have reconnoitred the situation of the enemy's 

works on Stony Point, and the approaches to them, in 

the best manner that circumstances would admit, and 

returned late last evening to this place. 

****** 

" Upon the whole, I do not think a storm practicable, 
but perhaps a surprise may be effected, could we fall 
on some stratagem to draw them out. A thought has 
struck me, that as no party of force has ever yet been 
down, or appeared to the enemy, and as I have ground 
to believe that an inhabitant living near to Stony 
Point acts a double part, and, of course, will give them 
every information in his power, which goes no further 
than to the usual route and number of the reconnoitring 
parties, they may be induced to attempt an ambuscade ; 
or, if they should not attempt this, a few of our people 
appearing near, may bring a pretty strong party out in 
pursuit, which may give our troops an opening to 
enter with them. 

" Should your excellency incline to reconnoitre the 
works to-morrow, or next day, I will have a proper dis- 
position made of the light corps, so as effectually to cover 
you ; or, whenever you may order it, I will attempt 
the surprise, in case it meets your approbation. The 



92 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

troops at the forest of Dane may co-operate with us, if 
thought necessary. 

" Interim, I am your excellency's ob't servant, 

" Anthony Wayne. 

" General Washington^ 

On the 10th of July, an interview took place between 
Washington and Wayne, in which they discussed the 
project of storming Stony Point. In the course of 
their conference, Wayne, emphatically to express his 
willingness to undertake the perilous enterprise, is said 
to have remarked. " General, if you will only plan it, 
I will storm Helir 

This fonference was the cause of the following 
letter : 

" Head Quarters, July Uth, 1779. 

" Dear Sir — I have reflected on the advantages and 
disadvantages of delaying the proposed attempt, and I 
do not know but the former preponderate. You will, 
therefore carry it into execution to-morrow night, as 
you desire, unless some new motive, or better infor- 
mation, should induce you to think it best to defer it. 

" You are at liberty to choose between the different 
plans on which we have conversed. But as it is im- 
portant to have every information we can procure, if 
you could manage, in the meantime, to see Major Lee, 
it might be useful. He has been so long near the spot, 
and has taken so much pains to inform himself, critic- 
ally, concerning the post, that I imagine he may be 
able to make you acquainted with some further details. 
Your interview must be managed with caution, or it 
may possibly raise suspicion. 

" I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, 

" Geo. Washington. 

" General Wayne,'''' 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 93 

^''Fort Montgomery, lithJuly, 1779. 

" Dear General — I am this moment honored with 
yours of this day, and note the contents. I shall effect 
the interview in a manner the least suspicious. Every 
thing will be in readiness the time you mention. I 
shall do myself the honor to enclose you the plan and 
disposition of attack to-morrow. 

" Your excellency's obedient humble servant, 

"Anthony Wayne. 

^* General Washington.'*'* 

On the following day he again wrote to Washington, 
communicating the progress of his arrangements for 
the attack, as follows : 

''\\ o'clock, A. M. 

"Dear General — On the 11th, Colonels Butler, 
Febiger, and myself, reconnoitred the enemy's works 
at Stony Point, in the most satisfactory manner pos- 
sible ; and I am decidedly of opinion that two real 
attacks, and one feint, ought to be made, agreeably to 
the enclosed plan and disposition, which I now do my- 
self the honor to transmit. 

" I perfectly agree with your excellency, that an en- 
terprise of this nature does not so much depend upon 
numbers as on secrecy and prowess ; yet the mass of 
our soldiery will derive confidence from the reputation 
of numbers. From this conviction, I have taken the 
liberty to order Col. Ball's regiment, stationed at Rose's 
farm, to follow in my rear, and I shall give out that the 
whole Virginia line are to support us. It can have no 
bad effect, but it may have a very happy one. 

" I have taken every possible precaution to secure 
the passes leading to Stony Point ; for which purpose, 
I have detached three small parties of picked men, 
under prudent and vigilant officers, with directions to 
approach near the ravine a little before night, so as to 



94 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

reconnoitre, and fix on the proper places to plant their 
sentries, as soon as it is dark ; also, to secure certain 
persons to serve as guides. I shall meet Major Lee at 
Clement's, or between that and Storm's. 

" I am pleased at the prospect of the day, and have 
the most happy presages of the fortune of the night. 

" Adieu, my dear general, and believe me, with every 
sentiment of esteem, your most obedient and affection- 
ate humble servant, ,, . ,Trr .,» 

" Anthony Wayne. 

This night — the 15th of July, 1779 — was the time 
fixed upon for the storming of Stony Point, one of the 
most daring and enterprising exploits that the page of his- 
tory records. The danger of the undertaking, and the im- 
portance of succeeding in it, as viewed by Washington 
and Wayne, may be inferred from the particularity of the 
orders issued by the latter immediately preceding the 
attempt. 

General orders and disposition for the attack, 

" The troops will march at — o'clock, and move by 
the right, making a short halt at the creek, or run, on 
this side next Clement's ; every officer and non-com- 
missioned officer will remain with, and be answerable 
for, every man in his platoon ; no soldier to be per- 
mitted to quit his ranks on any pretext whatever, 
until a general halt is made, and then to be attended 
by one of the officers of the platoon. 

" When the head of the troops arrive in rear of the hill, 
Col. Febiger will form his regiment into a solid column 
of a half platoon, in front, as fast as they come up ; Col. 
Meigs will form next, in Col.Febiger's rear, and Maj.Hull 
in the rear of Meigs, which will form the right column. 

" Col. Butler will form a column on the left of Fe- 
biger, and Maj. Murfree in his rear. Every officer and 
soldier will then fix a piece of white paper in the most 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 95 

conspicuous part of his hat or cap, as a mark to dis- 
tinguish him from the enemy. At the word marchy 
Col. Fleury will take charge of one hundred and fifty 
determined ana picked men, properly officered, with 
arms unloaded, placing their wJiole dependence on fixed 
bayonets, who will move about twenty paces in front 
of the right column, and enter the sally-port marked ; 
he is to detach an officer and twenty men, a little in 
front, whose business will be to secure the sentries, 
and remove the abatis and obstructions, for the column 
to pass through. The column will follow close in the 
rear, with shouldered muskets, led by Col. Febiger and 
Gen. Wayne in person. When the works are forced, 
and not before, the victorious troops will give the watch- 
word, , with repeated and loud voices, and 

drive the enemy from their works and guns, which 
will favour the pass of the whole troops. Should the 
enemy refuse to surrender, or attempt to make their 
escape by water, or otherwise, effectual means must 
be used to effect the former and prevent the latter. 

" Colonel Butler will move by the route (2) prece- 
ded by one hundred chosen men, with fixed bayonets, 
properly officered, at the distance of twenty yards, in 
front of the column, which will follow under Colonel 
Butler, with shouldered muskets. These hundred will 
also detach a proper officer and twenty men, a little in 
front, to remove the obstructions, &c.; as soon as they 
gain the works, they will also give, and continue the 
watchword, which will prevent confusion and mistake. 
If any soldier presume to take his musket from his 
shoulder, or to fire, or begin the battle until ordered by 
his proper officer, he shall be instantly put to death by 
the officer next him ; for the misconduct of one man is 
not to put the whole troops in danger, or disorder, and 
he be suffered to pass with life. — After the troops begin 
to advance to the works the strictest silence must be 



96 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

observed, and the closest attention paid to the commands 

of the officers. 

*' The general has the fullest confi^f nee in the bra- 
very and fortitude of the corps that he has the happiness 
to command. The distinguished honor conferred on 
every officer and soldier, who has been drafted into this 
corps by his excelfency, General Washington, the credit 
of the states they respectively belong to, and their own 
reputations, will be such powerful motives for each man 
to distinguish himself, that the general cannot have the 
least doubt of a glorious victory ; and he, hereby, most 
solemnly engages to reward the first man who enters the 
works with five hundred dollars and immediate pro- 
motion ; to the second, four hundred dollars ; to the third, 
three hundred dollars ; to the fourth, two hundred dol- 
lars ; and to the fifth, one hundred dollars ; and he will 
represent the conduct of every officer and soldier who 
distinguishes himself in this action, in the most favour- 
able point of view to his excellency, whose greatest 
pleasure is rewarding merit. But should there be any 
soldier so lost to feeling of honor, as to attempt to re- 
treat one single foot, or skulk in the face of danger, the 
officer next to him is immediately^ to put him to death, 
that he may no longer disgrace the name of a soldier, 
or the corps, or the state to which he belongs. 

"As General Wayne is determined to share the 
danger of the night, so he wishes to participate in the 
glory of the day, in common with his fellow soldiers." 

The night had already settled down, when the ad- 
vancing column of the Americans emerged from a thick 
wood on the shore of the Hudson ; the dim and shadowy 
prospect disclosing to their sight Verplank's Point, 
buried in a mass of shadow on the other side of the 
river, while before them rose the dark, gloomy, and 
frowning craggy heights of Stony Point, surmounted 
by a fort that w^as now deemed impregnable, and the 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 97 

capture of which was, by most persons, regarded as 
impossible. But to the high heart and daring spirit of 
Anthony Wayne, danger in the service of his country 
was delight, and he moved forward on his gallant pur- 
pose with an unwavering determination. 

A turn in the road soon hid them from the river ; 
and, after a silent march of some minutes, they arrived 
within a short distance of the enemy's line, and halting 
at the command of Wayne, formed into columns for the 
attack. Beginning again their silent progress, they 
presently reached the marshy ground at the base of the 
hill. "Hist !" said Wayne, in a low voice from the 
front — " Halt." The order passed in a whisper down 
the line, and the column paused on the edge of the 
morass. It was a moment of suspense and peril. 
Every man felt that in a few moments the fate of their 
hazardous enterprise would be decided, and that they 
would be either cold in death, or the American flag 
floating in triumph over the dark promontory ahead, 
now scarcely discernible through the thick gloom of 
the midnight. " The troops remained in this position," 
says Gen. Wayne,* " until the principal officers, with 
myself, returned from reconnoitering the works. At 
half after eleven, being the hour fixed on, the whole 
moved forward." The pioneers, with axes, reached 
the abatis, and their rapid blows rung upon the night, 
when suddenly the shout of alarm broke from the fort, 
the gun of a sentry flashed through the gloom, and in 
an instant all was uproar and confusion within the as- 
tonished fortification. 

It was now twenty minutes past twelve o-clock. 
Not a moment was to be lost. " Advance ! advance !" 



•In a letter to Washington, dated " Stony Point, July 17th, 
1779." 

5 



98 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

shouted Wayne, waving his sword, as he pressed rapidly 
onwards to the abatis, followed in death-like silence 
by his indomitable troops. 

" To arms !" came borne on the night breeze from 
the fort — " to arms ! to arms !" — mingled with the 
quick roll of the drum. In an instant the British were 
at their posts. The gallant Americans continued their 
silent but steady march through the morass, now over- 
flowed by the tide. Thrilling were the moments dur- 
ing which they maintained their progress. The fire 
of the enemy burst upon them from every embrasure 
of the fort. " Neither the deep morass," says AVayne,* 
" the formidable and double rows of abatis, nor the 
high and strong works in front and flank, could damp 
the ardour of the troops, who, in the face of a most 
tremendous and incessant fire of musketry, and from 
artillery loaded with shells and grape-shot, forced their 
way, at the point of the bayonet, through every obstacle, 
both columns meeting in the centre of the enemy's 
works at the same instant." 

On — on — they had pressed amid the whirlwind of 
fire from the fort, over the abatis and bulwarks, until 
the British, borne back by their impetuous onset, 
quailed before them. Then, and not till then, was the 
death-like silence broken. A sound rung out from the 
victorious troops over all the thunder of battle. It was 
the watchword of success. It was heard by the head 
of tlie column behind, it passed down their line, was 
caught up by the rear, and a wild shout, making the 
very welkin tremble, rang out. Indeed, the enthusiasm 
of the victors cannot be described. But though the 
contest had been so bloody, not a man of the enemy 
fell after resistance had ceased. " The humanity of 



Letter of July 17th. 



LIFE OF ANTHONi WAYNE. lOi 

our brave soldiers," says Wayne,* " who scorned to 
take the lives of vanquished foes calling for mercy, re- 
flects the highest honor on them, and accounts for so 
few of the enemy being killed on the occasion," 

The morning gun announced to the British fleet in 
the river that Stony Point was again in possession of 
the Americans. 

The loss of the assailants fell far short of the appa- 
rent hazard of the enterprise. The killed and wounded 
did not exceed one hundred. — "Wayne's own escape on 
this occasion was of the hair-breadth kind. Struck on 
the head by a musket-ball, he fell ; but, immediately 
rising on one knee, he exclaimed, " March on — carry 
me into the fort— for should the wound he mortal, I 
will die at the head of the column.'''' The enemy's loss, 
in killed and wounded, amounted to six hundred and 
seven men.t 

Washington in his reports to Congress, says of 
Wayne ; " To the encomiums he has deservedly be- 
stowed on the officers and men under his command, it 
gives me pleasure to add, that his own conduct, through- 
out the whole of this arduous enterprise, merits the 
warmest approbation of Congress. He improved on the 
plan recommended by me, and executed it in a manner 
that does honor to his judgment and bravery. "J 

A very distinguished public writer of that day, speak- 
ing of the capture of^Stony Point, says, "great is the 
triumph of the Americans upon the success of this en- 

* Letter of July 17th. 

f Sparks' Biography. — " The loss of the enemy was sixty- 
three killed; Lieut. Col. Johnston, four captains, and twenty 
subaltern officers, together with the remainder of the garrison, 
were made prisoners of war, amounting to 54-3. The military 
stores captured were extensive and valuable." — Casket, p. 311. 

4: Sparks' Writings of Washington. 
9- 



102 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

terprise, and justly, for it would have done honor to 
the most veteran troops, and, notwithstanding the pro- 
vocations friven by the plunderings and burnings at 
New Ha. i, East Haven, Fairfield, and Green-Farms, 
of which they had heard, such was the humanity of 
the continental soldiers, that they scorned to take the 
lives of their foe, calling for mercy — so that there were 
but few of the enemy killed on the occasion." 

In Congress, July 26th, 1779, it was " Resolved, 
unanimously. That the thanks of Congress be presented 
to Brigadier-General Wayne, for his brave, prudent, 
and soldierly conduct, in the spirited and well conducted 
attack of Stony Point."* 

Of the congratulatory letters received by him from 
a great number of distinguished men, we have room 
for only four. General St. Clair wrote as follows : 

Nevf Windsor, July VJth, 1779. 

"Dear General — It is with true pleasure that I 
received the news of your success at Stony Point, 
on which I beg leave to present you my cordial con- 
gratulations. 

" It is an event that makes a very great alteration in 
the situation of affairs, and must have important con- 
sequences, and is the more glorious from its having been 
effected with so little loss. It is, in short, the com- 
pletest surprise I ever heard of. 

" Please to present my compliments to the gentle- 
men of your family, and all our friends, and believe 
me, with much esteem, dear general, 

" Your very humble servant, 

" Arthur St. Clair. 

^'•General Wayne,''^ 



♦ Extract from the minutes. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 103 

''Philadelphia, August Qth, 1779. 

" My dear Sir — There was but one thing wanting, 
in your late successful attack upon Stor^ Point, to 
complete your happiness : and that is, thefifeund you 
received should have affected your hearing ; for I fear 
you will be stunned, through those organs, with your 
own praises. Our streets, for many days, rang with 
nothing but the name of General Wayne. You are re- 
membered constantly next to our great and good Wash- 
ington, over our claret and madeira. You have esta- 
blished the national character of our country ; you have 
taught our enemies that bravery, humanity, and mag- 
nanimity, are the national virtues of the Americans. 

"Accept, my dear sir, of my share of gratitude fur 
the honor and services you have done our cause and 
country. Mrs. Rush joins in the offering; and when 
our little ones are able to repeat your name, we shall 
not fail to tell them, in recounting the exploits of our 
American heroes, how much they are indebted to you 
for their freedom and happiness. 

"Adieu, my dear friend, and be assured of the sin- 
cere affection of 

" Yours, most sincerely, 

"Benjamin Rush. 

''General Wayne.'''' 

^'Berkley County, August Uth, 1779. 
" Dear Sir — 'You will do me the justice to ac- 
knowledge, that at the time I was taught to think, I am 
sure without foundation, that you were one of the most 
active in my prosecution, I gave it as my opinion that 
you were a brave officer and an honest man. You 
must likewise recollect, that when you sent me a cer- 
tain message at Elizabethtown, I told you that if I 
was appointed to a command, and had my choice of 



104 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

brigadiers, you should be one of my first election. I 
hope, therefore, that what I am now going to say you 
will not consider as paying my court in this your hour 
of glory^for as it is at least my present intention to 
leave this continent, where I have been so scurvily and 
ungratefully treated, I can have no interest in paying 
my court to any individual. What I shall say, there- 
fore, is dictated by the genuine feeling of my heart. 
I do most sincerely declare, that your action in the as- 
sault of Stony Point, is not only the most brilliant, in 
my opinion, through the whole course of the war on 
either side, but that it is one of the most brilliant 1 am 
acquainted with in history. The assault of Schweid- 
nitz, by Marshal Laudun, I think inferior to it. I wish 
you therefore, most sincerely, joy of the laurels you 
have deservedly acquired, and that you may long live 
to wear them ; and if you have leisure, as I am curious 
in these details, to inform me of the particular order 
of your disposition, you will much oblige one who is, 
without flattery, with respect, and no small admira- 
tion, 

" Your most obedient humble servant, 

"Charles Lee. 

^^ Brigadier- General Wayne^ 

'■'Havre de Grace j {France) October 7th, 1779. 

" Dear Sir — With the greatest pleasure I take this 
opportunity of congratulating you on your admirable 
expedition at Stony Point. 

" Besides the general and hearty satisfaction I feel 
from any advantage which may bless the arms of my 
fellow-American soldiers, I was particularly delighted 
in hearing that this glorious affair had been conducted 
by my good friend General Wayne. 

" I beg, my dear sir, you would present my compli- 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 105 

ments to my friends and acquaintances in the army ; 
and believe me, most affectionately, yours, 

" La Fayette." * 

The ball which wounded Wayne at the storming of 
Stony Point, grazed his skull nearly two inches in 
length, under .the hair. The infantry cap which he 
wore on that night, and which was perforated by the 
ball, was of beaver, having a crest neatly ornamented 
with horse-hair. The wound speedily healed, and, in 
a few days, he was again feady and eager for active 
service. 

The campaign of 1779 closed by Washington taking 
up his winter quarters at Morristown, N. J.; and on 
the 26th of December, Sir Henry Clinton, with a large 
army, sailed with a fleet of 110 sail to the south, leaving 
Gen. Kniphausen, with a suflicient force, in command 
of New York. The command of Wayne having ceased, 
in consequence of the corps of light infantry rejoining ^j< 
their respective lines, he took an affectionate leave of 
Washington and his brother officers, repaired to the 
seat of government, and immediately recommenced his 
exertions in stimulating the councils of the nation, espe- 
cially those of his native state, in behalf of our suffer- 
ing soldieii^y, nearly one-half of whom were at this thne 
barefooted, and otherwise destitute of comforts 



His trm( 



* La Fayette had, in January, 1779, returned to France, for 
the purpose of exerting every means in his power to induce 
his country to send effectual aid to the United States. In 
May, 1780, he returned. 



106 LIFE OF ANTHOXY WAYNE. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The campaign of 1780 — La Fayette's return to Americs^ 
mth the tidings of effectual assistance from the French 
government — Wayne joins the camp at Morristown, N. J. 
— Incursions of the British into Jersey— Gallant expedi- 
tion of Wayne into Bergen Neck — his account of the af- 
fair — Allusions of Major Andre to the father of Wayne- 
Ridicule of Washington, Wayne, and other officers of the 
Americans, by the British officers, on the stage at the the- 
atre in New York — Treason of Arnold — Capture of Major 
Andre — The character of Arnold as drawn by Wayne— 
The American army in winter quarters — their distressed 
condition — Mutiny, on the 1st of January, 1781, of the 
Pennsylvania line, etc. 

The campaign of 1780 opened under prospects of 
many encouraging circumstances. La Fayette returned 
from France about the middle of May, and communi- 
cated to the commander-in-chief and to Congress the 
pleasing intelligence that a French fleet, with a powers 
fill detachment of land forces, might be speedily ex- 
pected on the coast. But this pleasure was soon . 
depressed by the intelligence that reached the northern 
states, of the fall of Charleston, S. C, into the hands 
of the British, the capitulation of which city took 
place on the 12th of May. Washington, while the 
main army of the enemy was operating in the south, 
" was confined to the irksome and inglorious task of 
watching, from his encampment at Morristown, the 
motions of the British on New York island, and of 
restraining their incursions into the adjacent country."* 

• Frost's United States. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 107 

His forces were weakened by the departure from his 
camp of reinforcements, which it was necessary he 
should send to the American army in the south ; " and 
never did distress press more heavily upon him." 

But the joyful news of the French assistance had 
the effect of rousing the nation from its lethargy. 
Congress and the executives of the different states, 
especially the inestimable governor of Pennsylvania, 
(Joseph Reed,) exerted themselves to make such ar- 
rangements as the crisis demanded; and the patriotic 
merchants of Philadelphia proceeded to the establish- 
ment of a bank, with a capital of ^315,000, to be paid 
in specie, if required, the object of which was to sup- 
ply the army with* provisions, &;c. 

The stockholders were to derive no advantage from 
the establishment ; their credit and money were to be 
advanced for the benefit of the continental army. They 
asked nothing more than that Congress should pledge 
the faith of the nation for a redemption of the costs 
and charges of the institution in a reasonable time. 
These stipulations were entered into, and the bank 
speedily went into operation, and was productive of 
very happy effects. In addition to this, the ladies of 
Philadelphia most nobly and patriotically subscribed 
$300,000 for the immediate relief of the suffering sol- 
diers, which' example was extensively followed. Yet 
those, with other sources of relief, fell far short of 
their objects.* 



* Congress, from Washington's repeated representations 
by letter, and Wayne's personal urgency, sent a committee 
to the camp. This committee, after a full inquiry, reported 
that " The army was unpaid for five months ; that it seldom 
had more than six days' provisions in advance, and was on 
several occasions, for sundry successive days, without meat; 
that the army was destitute of forage ; that the medical de- 



108 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

On the 18th of May, Washington addressed a letter 
to Gen. Wayne in which he says, " I shall be very 
happy to see you at camp again, and hope you will, 
without hesitation, resume your command in the Penn- 
sylvania line." To which Wayne replied, (from Phi- 
ladelphia, June 1st,) that he would render himself "in 
camp the latter end of next week ;" and which promise 
he fulfilled. 

At this crisis. Sir Henry Clinton had returned from 
the South, and he and Kniphausen were making incur- 
sions into Jersey, and enlisting tories and refugees, of 
which they had four thousand at their command. Their 
object was to capture or destroy the military stores de- 
posited at Morristown, and in its neighborhood, and to 
cut up the small army which might have the gallantry 
to attempt its defence.* To mask his real view, he 
embarked troops and made such preparations at New 
York as indicated an immediate move up the North 
river. As soon as Gen. Washington received intelli- 
gence of this circumstance, that he might be prepared 
to defend West Point and the strongholds in the High- 
lands, he marched with the principal part of his army to- 
wards those points on the 2 1st of June, leaving at Spring- 
field the remainder, consisting of 700 men, together with 



partment had neither sugar, tea, chocolate, wine, or spirituous 
liquors of any kind ; that every department of the army was 
without money, and had not even the shadow of credit left; 
that the patience of the soldiers, boi'ne down by the pressure 
of complicated sufferings, was on the point of being ex- 
hausted." 

* The British regular force in New York, at this time, was 
12,000. The whole, under the immediate command of Wash- 
ington, fell short of 3,000. The greater part of the British 
could be speedily concentrated for any object; in addition to 
which, they could call to their aid the 4,000 refugees. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 109 

the cavalry and militia, under command of Maj. Gen. 
Greene. As Gen. Washington was resolved not to 
march beyond supporting distance of Gen. Greene, his 
movement was necessarily slow ; and he had not ad- 
vanced more than eleven miles from Morristown, on 
the 22d, when he was informed that the most probable 
design of the British Avas the stores, &;c. He there- 
fore halted. On the morning of the 23d, further sus 
pense was removed by a messenger from Greene, dated 
" Springfield, 23d, six o'clock, a. m. — The enemy are 
out on their march towards this place in full force, 
having received a considerable reinforcement last 
night." 

So soon as this intelligence reached Washington, he 
detached a brigade, under Wayne, from the main army, 
to hang on the right flank of the enemy ; but the action 
was over, and the British had retreated before the bri- 
gade, with every exertion, could gain its position. The 
following correspondence occurred on this occasion ; 

''Chatham, 23dJune, 1780 — 8 o'clock, P, M. 
"Dear General — You no doubt have heard that 
the enemy, after burning Springfield, are retired to 
their former post on Elizabethtown Point. Their num- 
ber, from the best observation, did not exceed 4,000. 
They brought out three days' provisions, which pro- 
bably is to serve them until they reach the vicinity of 
West Point. I have not yet seen Gen. Greene ; but 
from good intelligence, the grenadiers and light infan- 
try, composing two battalions, together with all the 
other troops lately arrived from Charlestown, except 
the legion, embarked last evening, but had not sailed 
this morning. May they not wait the return of those 
who marched from the point this morning, and pro- 
ceed in conjunction up the river, in full confidence that 



110 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

this manoeuvre has drawn your excellency's attention 
to this quarter ? 

" I shall in consequence move along the mountain 
towards Passaic falls, in the morning, unless counter- 
manded by your excellency or General Greene. 

" Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" Anthony Wayne. 

"Gen. Washington." 

''Whippany, 11 o'clock, P. M.— 23d June, 1780. 

" Dear Sir — Some time before the receipt of your 
favor, I was informed that the enemy had returned to 
their station at Elizabethtown Point. It is certainly 
difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain their views. I, 
however, all things considered, wish to keep our force 
as compact as possible, and therefore wish you, if you 
find in the morning that the enemy are quiet or gone 
over to Staten Island, to return by the same route y^u 
marched to-day. j* 

" I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, /\y 
"Geo. Washington. 

^^ General TVayne.^' 

It has already been mentioned that Sir Henry Clinton 
had, at any time, subject to his command 4000 militia 
and refugees. Many persons of this latter description 
resided in Bergen Neck, New Jersey, and were Hii 
the practice of stealing from the well affected inhabit- 
ants horses, cattle, &c. for the use of the British army. 
The principal leaders of this banditti had erected for 
the defence of themselves, associates and plunder, a 
remarkably strong and large block-house, which was 
said to have been constructed under the immediate 
superintendence of an engineer attached to the British 
army. This block-house was well garrisoned with 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. Ill 

refugees, tories, and all the banditti, robbers and 
horse-thieves of that country, and fully supplied with 
the means of defence. The capture of the horses, 
cattle, &c., together with the destruction of this post, 
was deemed a matter of considerable importance, as it 
must necessarily result in the breaking up of this horde 
of freebooters. With the view, therefore, of breaking 
up this " lawless and mischievous establishment, to 
withdraw from the isthmus supplies of cattle and horses 
intended for the use of the enemy, to decoy into the 
defiles near Fort Lee any British detachment sent for 
the protection of the block-house, and, lastly, to make 
such demonstrations as might detain in port for a few 
days an armament known to be destined against the 
French fleet and army then at Rhode Island,* formed 
the objects of an enterprise projected by Wayne and 
approved by Washington."! 

In pursuance of this plan, Wayne with the 1st and 
2d Pennsylvania brigades, with four pieces of artillery, 
on the 20th of July, at 3 o'clock, P. M. took up the 
line of march, and arrived a little in the rear of New 
Bridge at nine in the evening. They moved again at 
one in the night, in order to occupy the ground in the 
vicinity of Fort Lee, and the landing opposite King's 
Bridge, by the dawn of day. They advanced towards 
Bull's ferry, Gen. Irvine, with part of his brigade 
along the summit of the mountain, and the first brigade, 
under Col. Humpton, with the artillery and Col. Moy- 
lan's horse, on the open road. Col. Moylan, with the 
horse and a detachment of infantry, remained at the 



* Which had arrived at Newport, on the 10th of July, under 
the command ^f Chevalier de Fernay, with 6000 land troops, 
under the Count de Rochambeau. 

f Sparks' Biography. 



112 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

forks of the road leading to Bergen and Pauliis Hook 
to receive the enemy if they attempted any thing from 
that quarter. " On reconnoitering the enemy's post at 
Bull's ferry," says Wayne,* " we found it to consist 
of a block-house, surrounded by an abatis and stockade 
to the perpendicular rocks next North river, with a 
kind of ditch or parapet serving as a covered way. 
B)^ this time we could discover a move of troops on 
York Island, which circumstance began to open a 
prospect of our plan taking the wished effect. General 
Irvine was. therefore directed to halt in a position from 
which he could move to any point where the enemy 
should attempt to land, either in the vicinity of this 
post or Fort Lee, where the sixth and seventh Penn- 
sylvania regiments were previously concealed, with 
orders to meet the enemy, and, after landing, with the 
point of the bayonet to dispute the pass in the gorge 
of the mountain, at every expense of blood, until sup- 
ported by General Irvine and the remainder of the 
troops. The first regiment was posted in a hollow 
way on the north of the block-house, and the tenth in 
a hollow on the south, with orders to keep up an inces- 
sant fire into the port-holes, to favor the advance of 
the artillery covered by the second regiment. — When 
the four field pieces belonging to Colonel Proctor's 
regiment arrived at the medium distance of sixty yards, 
they commenced a fire which continued without inter- 
mission from eleven until quarter after twelve, at which 
time we received expresses from Closter, that the enemy 
were embarking their troops at Phillips', and falling 
down the river. We also saw many vessels and boats, 
full of troops, moving up from New York, which made 
it necessary to relinquish die lesser for the greater 



Letter to Washington, dated Totoway, 22d July, 1780. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 11' 

object; — i. e. drawing the enemy over towards the 
posts already mentioned, and deciding the fortune of 
the day in the defiles, through which they must pass 
before they could gain possession of the strong 
grounds." 

" In the meantime," continues Wayne, " we found 
that our artillery had made but little impression, 
although well and gallantly served, not being of sufficient 
weight of metal to traverse the logs of the block-house. 
As soon as the troops understood that they were to be 
drawn oif, such was the enthusiastic bravery of all 
officers and men, that the first regiment, no longer 
capable of restraint, rather than leave a fort in their 
rear, rushed with impetuosity over the abatis, and ad- 
vanced to the palisades, from which they were with 
difficulty withdrawn, although they had no means of 
forcing an entry. The contagion spread to the second, 
and by great effiarts of the officers of both regiments 
they were at length restrained, not without the loss of 
some gallant officers wounded, and some brave men 
killed. Happy it was that the ground would not ad- 
mit of a further advance of the tenth, and that the situa- 
tion of General Irvine's brigade prevented them from 
experiencing a loss proportionate to those immediately 
at the point of action, as the same gallant spirit per- 
vaded the whole, which would have been the means of 
encumbering us with wounded. The artillery was 
immediately drawn off and forwarded towards the 
wished-for point of action ; the killed and wounded 
were all moved on, excepting three that lay dead under 
the stockades. During this period Colonel Moylan's 
dragoons drove off the cattle and horses from Bergen, 
whilst a detachment of the infantiy destroyed the sloops 
and wood boats at the landing, in which were taken a 
captain with a few sailors. Some others were killed 
10* 



114 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

whilst attempting to escape by swimming. Having 
thus effected part of our plan, we pushed forward to 
oppose the troops from Voluntine's hill, where we ex- 
pected to land at the nearest point to New Bridge, 
which, if effected, we were determined either to drive 
back the enemy, or cut our vv^ay through them ; but in 
the doing of either we were disappointed. The enemy 
thought proper to remain in a less dangerous situation 
than that of the Jersey shore. We therefore passed 
on to New Bridge, and by easy degrees we have re- 
turned to this place. 

" One object, not the least," remarks Wayne, " was 
to divert the enemy's attention from their meditated 
attempt upon Rhode Island, in a combined attack by 
land and water on the French fleet and army at that 
place. Six thousand were actually embarked, who 
have been delayed by this manoeuvre, for four days, a 
circumstance which will render their meditated attack 
abortive."* 

It has been said that Gen. Wayne's expedition to 
Bergen Neck afforded a theme for the poetical pen of 
the Adjutant-General of the British army, the ill fated, 
though accomplished, Maj. John Andre. The verses 
were, and perhaps yet are, exhibited in Peale's museum, 
Philadelphia, and are pronounced to be autographical. 
In this playful sally of the major's muse, Gen. Wayne 
is represented in the character of a tanner, driving off 
cattle for the sake of their hides, &c. 

In the commencement of this memoir, it is said that 
Isaac Wayne, the father of the American General, was 
" a man of great industry and enterprise" which was 
the fact. To agriculture, on a very extensive scale, he 
added a tan factory, perhaps, in its day, the largest in 



• Letter to Colonels Delany and Johnstone, 26th July, 1780. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 115 

the State of Pennsylvania ; this, together with the 
farm on which it was erected, descended, in 1774, to 
his son, the subject of this memoir ; however, neither 
the father nor son were professional tanners. 

From the appended memorandum,* copied from one 
of Wayne's ledgers, it would appear that if he had 
actually been a tanner, (and no mechanical branch is 
more honorable) and had he personally pursued his 
business during the Revolutionary war, he would not, 
in all probability, have sustained the pecuniary loss 
which it records. 

While the British army was reposing in ease at New 
York, the oncers occasionally amused themselves with 
writing comedies, interludes, and farces — and themselves 
were the personae dramatis. "Among others, they got 
up an interlude, in which Washington was represented 
as a surveyor, Greene as a gunsmith, Wayne as a 
tanner, and other American officers in different, me- 
chanical professions — all of whom were exhibited on 
the stage, in dresses, and with instruments suited to 
their respective occupations ; for instance, Washington 
carrying a surveyor's jacol staff of huge size, accom- 
panied by a negro man, groaning under the weight of 
a compass, and dragging a chain more resembling one 



* "Mr. Shannon has sunk for me since the beginning of 
January, 1776, until he went away, upwards of two thousand 
four hundred pounds in stock, exclusive of the interest fur 
near eight years. Nor do I believe that he made much for 
himself, although he has certainly injured me to the full 
amount of three thousand six hundred pounds, counting only 
the principal and interest; had he managed my stock in 
trade to that advantage which others have dene in the course 
of the late war, I ought to have, at a moderate computation, 
seven thousand pounds in stock, in place of nothing." 

Akthokx Wayne, 

March, 1784, 



116 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

used by bullocks than a surveyor ; Greene with a 
hammer, an unwieldy old gun and broken lock in his 
hand; Wayne with a huge currying knife, and a 
leathern apron buckled round his neck, and extending 
down to his feet. 

" This interlude was too good a thing to be lost ; it 
was therefore, (as reported,) carried across the Atlantic 
by a British sergeant, who himself had probably been 
one of the personse dramatis in America. At the in- 
stance of this son of Mars, the interlude was got up 
in England, under the auspices of the manager of a 
strolling company, with additions, amendments, new 
scenery, decorations, &;c. 

*' On one of the nights of its being performed, and 
just as the curtain was dropping to close this ludicrous 
scene, amidst the plaudits of the spectators, an Ame- 
rican tar in the gallery vociferated, " Honor to my coun- 
try, disgrace to old England for suffering their hides to 
be dressed, and their heads broken, by American tan- 
ners and gunsmiths." This piece of well-timed humor 
bore off the palm of applause from the interlude, and 
consigned it to the tomb of the Capulets." * 

On the 25th of September, 1780, the capture of 
Maj. Andre took place, and the treason of Arnold was 
discovered. In the following letter, under date of the 
27th September, addressed by Wayne to a member of 
Congress, he thus describes the character of the trai- 
tor, and we have a glance at his own movements : 

" I am confident that the perfidy of Gen. Arnold will 
astonish the public; the high rank he bore, the eclat 
he had obtained, whether deserving or not, justified the 
world in giving it him. But there were a few gentle- 
men who, at a very early period of this war, became 



* Casket, p. 398. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 117 

acquainted with his true character. When you asked 
my opinion of that officer last winter, I gave it freely, 
and, I believe, you thought it rather strongly shaded. 

"I think that I informed you I had the most despi- 
cable idea of him, both as a gentleman and a soldier, 
and that he had produced a conviction to me in 177G, 
that honor and true virtue were strangers to his soul ; 
and, however contradictory it might appear, that he 
never possessed either genuine fortitude or personal 
bravery, and that he rarely went in the way of danger, 
but when stimulated by liquor, even to intoxication. 

" I shall not dwell upon his military character, or 
the measures he had adopted for the surrender of West 
Point ; the latter have, no doubt, been already fully 
mentioned by the commander-in-chief in his despatches. 
But 1 will give you a small specimen of his peculate 
talents. 

"What think you of his employing sutlers to retail the 
public liquors for his private emolument, and furnish- 
ing his quarters with beds and other furniture, by pay- 
ing for them with pork, salt, flour, &c., drawn' from, the 
magazines ? He has not stopped here ; he has de- 
scended much lower, and defrauded the veteran' soldier 
who has bled for his country in many a well-fought 
field, during five campaigns ; among, others, an old ser- 
geant of mine has felt his rapacity. By the industry 
of this man's wife, they had accumulated something 
handsome to support themselves in their advanced age, 
which, coming to the knowledge of this cruel spoiler, 
he borrowed alarge sum. of money from the poor cre- 
dulous woman, and left her in the lurch. The dirty, 
dirty acts which he has been capable of committing, 
beggar all description ; and they are of such a nature 
as would, cause the infernals to blush, were they aa?- 
cused of the invention and execution of them«. 



118 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

" The detached and debilitated state of the garrison 
on West Point, insured success to the assailants. The 
enemy were all in perfect readiness for the enterprise, 
and only waited the return of Andre to carry it into ex- 
ecution. The 26th was the day fixed on for this ex- 
ploit, and the discovery of Arnold's treachery was not 
made until late on the 25th. At 12 o'clock of the morn- 
ing of the 26th, an express reached General Greene 
from his excellency, (who had fortunately arrived at 
West Point on his return from Hartford,) to push on 
the nearest and best disciplined troops, with orders to 
gain the defile or pass over the Dunderburg before the 
enemy. The first Pennsylvania brigade moved imme* 
diately ; and, on the arrival of the second express, I 
was speedily followed by our gallant friend General 
Irvine, Avith the second brigade. Our march of six- 
teen miles was performed in four hours, during a dark 
night, without a single halt or a man left behind. When 
our approach was announced to the general, he thought 
it fabulous ; but when assured of the reality of his 
tenth legion being near him, he expressed great satis- 
faction and pleasure. 

" The protection of this important place is committed 
to the division under my command until a proper gar- 
rison arrives. We will dispute the approaches to the 
works inch by inch, at the point of the bayonet, and, if 
necessary, decide the fate of the day in the gorge of 
the defiles at every expense of blood. You may rest 
assured that, whatever may be the issue, neither the 
conduct of myself nor gallant assistant will ever re- 
quire the palliation of a friend, or cause a blush on the 
cheek of any affectionate acquaintance. 

" Most respectfully, your obedient, 

, "Anthony Wayne.'* 



LIKE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 119 

The situation of the American soldiers at this period 
was truly deplorable. They were wearied out with 
privations, and indignant at their officers, whom they 
accused of not properly representing their situation to 
Congress. But the fault was in the tardiness of Con- 
gress, not in the officers. Gen. Wayne was particu- 
larly urgent in his memorials to the government. The 
Pennsylvania troops had been enlisted on the ambi- 
guous terms of " serving three years, or during the 
continuance of the war ;" and Wayne, long before the 
army retired into winter quarters, anticipated the evils 
that occurred at the expiration of the three years from 
the date of their enrolment, January 1st, 1781. We 
make a few extracts from his letters upon this matter : 

"When I look to a period fast approaching, I dis- 
cover the most gloomy prospects and distressing ob- 
jects presenting themselves ; and when I consider the 
mass of people who now compose this army will dis- 
solve by the 1st of January, (except a little corps en- 
listed for the war, badly paid and worse fed,) I dread 
the consequence, as these melancholy facts may have 
a most unhappy influence on their minds, when op- 
posed to a well appointed, puissant, and desolating 
army."* 

" I am therefore ''induced to call upon the honorable 
Council to adopt some mode to procure afresh supply 
of blankets and winter; clothing for the officers and pri- 
vates belonging to the state of Pennsylvania. The 
weather begins to pinch ; hard necessity obliges us to 
be economists. Our soldiers' uniforms are much worn 
and out of repair. We have adopted the idea of cur- 



* Letter to Joseph Reed, Esq., Sept 17th, 1780. 



120 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

tailing the coats, to repair the elbows and other defec- 
tive parts ; for which we shall immediately want 
needles and thread. Will your excellency be so 
obliging as to direct them to be procured and sent to 
camp, with the other stores, with all possible despatch ; 
and to appoint Lieutenant Dungan, of the sixth Penn- 
sylvania regiment, in place of the gentleman lately dis- 
missed the service by the sentence of a general court 
martial." * 

" Whatever gentlemen may think of matters, for my 
own part I very much dread the ides of January. It 
will be a crisis in which we shall be most vulnerable, 
and, as I have already observed, in which the minds 
of the troops will be most susceptible of impressions 
injurious to this service ; and I have ground to believe 
that will be the season in which the enemy are in- 
structed to operate. Should they then advance, and 
find our troops wretchedly appointed and pinchingly 
fed, the prospect will not be very flattering on our side ; 
for we shall find it full as difficult a task to introduce a 
conviction into our people, that the articles of provision 
and warm clothing are non-essentials in a winter's cam- 
paign, as it was for Peter to pass a piece of brown loaf 
upon Martin and Jack for good mutton and Burgundy. 

"No, gentlemen, it is impossible. The first and 
keenest feelings of nature, (hunger and cold,) are not 
to be reasoned down by sophistry ; especially if your 
adversaries make use of a more eflfectual argument, by 
holding out an immediate relief in one hand, and an 
invitation to partake of their friendship and plenty in 
the other. 

" Believe me, gentlemen, that this is not a picture 



• Letter to Joseph Reed, Esq., Oct. 17th, 1780. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 121 

drawn by fancy's pencil. It is taken from the life, and 
it has stamped too indelible an impression upon my 
mind to be removed. Permit me to assure you, that 
it is not the prowess of our enemy I dread, but their 
taking advantage of our necessitous situation and in- 
ternal disunion — neither of which they are to learn. 
They will therefore attempt to attain, by a winter's 
mancBuvre, art, and corruption, that which they can- 
not hope to accomplish by open force. 

" It is, gentlemen, greatly in your power to frustrate 
and blast their most sanguine views, by making the 
first overtures to a union among yourselves. Let me, 
therefore, as a friend and fellow-citizen, call upon you, 
in the most solemn manner, to meet the other part of 
the Assembly and Council with temper. Let party 
prejudice subside. Meddle not now" with the consti- 
tution, as the time is drawing near when the magnum 
coocilium of Pennsylvania will be necessarily convened 
to decide upon its case. Exert every power for the 
immediate completion of your quota of troops ; esta- 
blish magazines of provisions ; adopt some efficacious 
measure to procure a quantity of specie ; and, at all 
events, find means to clothe the soldiers belonging to 
this state by the first of January." * 

^^Campat Totaway, IQth Nov ember ^ 1780. 
" Dear Sir — Whilst Colonel Temple's servant is 
waiting on horseback, I take the liberty again to men- 
tion the absolute necessity of forwarding a quantity of 
hard cash and state stores with all possible despatch, 
in order to keep our people in temper, as well as an 
inducement to the new levies to enlist. Our honor and 



* Letter to Robert Morris, Esq., and others, Nov. 9th, 1780 
6 



122 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

creilit are now plighted for near 200 half joes, to the 
soldiers who enlisted on trust. 

" I expect to march this division for winter quarters 
in a few days, which will be in the vicinity of Morris- 
town ; the other part of the army will take post at 
West Point and the neighborhood of New Windsor. 

" Time will not permit me to mention matters of con- 
sequence. I find that I shall have a very fatiguing and 
difficult task of duly during the winter, and, from some 
hints, not of the most pleasing nature. For God's sake 
direct every exertion to be used in procuring a com- 
plete uniform for the line, which, with some hard cash 
towards making up the depreciation, will enable me to 
prevent, very probably, disagreeable consequences, re- 
store content, and render this line not only respectable 
in the eyes of our friends, and honorable to the state, 
but terrible to our enemies. 

" Interim, I have the honor to be your excellency'^ 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

"Anthony Wayne. 

^^ Governor i?eerf.'* 

It was with these forebodings that Wayne marched 
the division under his command into winter quarters, 
upon ground, (designated by him in his letters as 
Mount l^emble,) in the neighborhood of Morristown. 
The spirit of dissatisfaction and mutiny hourly in- 
creased ; the looks of the soldiery were sullen and inso- 
lent; their demands for pay, clothing and provisions were 
constantly urged ; complaints of the neighboring f\irm- 
ers poured into the camp of depredations committed 
on their property. To protect the persons and property 
of the inhabitants, the officers used every exertion, and 
vigorous measures were taken to bring the marauders 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 123 

to exemplary punishment. Guards and sentries, and 
all officers indiscriminately, were ordered to stop every 
soldier going out or coming into camp, and examine 
his pass, which, if found not signed by the command- 
ing officer of the regiment to which he belonged, was 
to be taken from him, and the soldier himself to be 
conlined and punished at the discretion of a regimental 
court-martial, in the most summary manner. The 
names of the men belonging to each hut were written 
and pasted on the door ; and the officers of police 
visited every hut in their respective regiments after 
tattoo beating, and saw whether or not the whole of 
the men were present, or properly accounted for. 

Head-Quarters, New Windsor, 28th Bee, 1780. 

" Dear Sir, — I have received your favour of the 
25th, as I did that of the 10th. I think your precau- 
tions for the security of your camp very good, though 
I hope if the enemy have made a detachment equal to 
report, which says 2000 to 2500, you will be quiet in 
your quarters ; you are more in the way of gaining 
intelligence from New York than I am, and I shall be 
obliged to you for procuring as much as you can, and 
transmitting me whatever is material. Mrs. Blair 
having informed me that about 2000 shirts, part of the 
productions of the ladies' contributions to the army 
were made up, I have desired her to deliver them to 
Colonel Miles, deputy Quarter-Master-General, in 
Philadelphia, who has directions to forward 800 of them 
to you ; you will have them distributed among those 
of the soldiers who are most in need, or by lot. I 
very much approve of what I hear is your determina- 
tion, to hold all your amusements within the line of 
your camp. Morristown would have been exposed to 
a night's excursion from Staten Island. I wish the 



124 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

compliments of the season to you and the gentlemen 
of the line, and am, with great regard, 

" Dear Sir, yom* most obedient servant, 

" Geo. Washington. 
" General Waynes 

Unfortunately the intelligence mentioned in Wash- 
ington's letter came too late. Wayne had pledged 
himself to breast the storm come when it might, and 
had he been more early possessed, even of those means 
of encouragement, he might possibly have reconciled 
the troops to a longer endurance of their privations, 
under positive assurance of approaching relief. The 
British, in New York, fully apprized of the discon- 
tented state of the soldiers at Morristown, had sent 
their emissaries into the camp with tempting solicita- 
tions, encouraging them to revolt and massacre their 
officers, offering to take them under the protection of 
the British government, and to pay them the amount 
due to them from Congress. 

Surrounded by these difficulties, Wayne kept up 
his rigid discipline, and saw that his orders were ful- 
filled to the letter. The soldiers now complained that 
they experienced more restraint and stricter duty than 
usual in winter. He replied that he " would much 
rather be accused of that than a relaxation of Jiscip/me 
or inattention.''^ But, in the end, the clouds of dis- 
content, which he had perceived so long gathering, 
burst out into a storm, which was attended by circum- 
stances the most appalling. 

Orders appear to have been strictly obeyed, in every 
minutiae, up to the hour of nine o'clock on the evening 
of the 1st of January, when every thing appeared 
favorable, and all the soldiers were either in their huts 
or properly accounted for. Between nine and ten 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 121 

however, they rushed from their huts, paraded under 
arms without officers, forcibly suppUed themselves 
with ammunition and provisions, seized six pieces of 
artillery, and took the horses from the generals' stables. 
"The whole division, with a few exceptions, was 
found in a state of open and decided insurrection ; dis- 
claiming all further obedience, and boldly avowing an 
intention of immediately abandoning the post, and of 
seeking, with arms in theif hands, a redress of their 
grievances."* 

Wayne, and his brother officers, rushed among the 
mutineers, and " appeals, both urgent and frequent ad- 
dressed as well to the passions as the interests of the 
offenders, were faithfully but unsuccessfully tried ; 
compulsatory means, the last resort of invaded authority 
followed ; blows were given, wounds inflicted and lives 
lost ; but without producing the desired effect, and 
tending only to imbitter a strife, melancholy in its 
cause and hopeless in its object."t 

Immediately after the meeting, Wayne despatched 
the following account of it to Washington. 

Mount Kemble, 2d Jan., 1781, > 
half after 4 o'dock,A. M. \ 
Dear General — It is with great pain I now inform 
your excellency of the general mutiny and defection, 
which suddenly took place in the Pennsylvania line, be- 



* Sparks' Biography, vol. 4, page 52. — Hazard's Register. 
irol 2, 1828. 

f On Wayne's cocking his pistols there were a hundred 
bayonets at his breast, with "we love you, we respect you, 
but you are a dead man if you fire. Do not mistake us, we 
are not going to the enemy ; on the contrary, were they now 
to come out, you would see us fight, under your orders, with 
'as much resohuion and alacrity as ever ! " 



128 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

tweeii the hours of 9 and 10 o'clock last evening. Every 
possible exertion was used by the officers to suppress 
it in its rise ; but the torrent was too potent to be stem- 
med. Captain Bitting has fallen a victim to his zeal 
and duty. Captain Tolbert and Lieutenant White are 
reported mortally wounded — a very considerable num- 
ber of the field and other officers are much injured by 
strokes from muskets, bayonets, and stones ; nor have 
the revolters escaped with impunity. Many of their 
bodies lay under our horses' feet, and others will re- 
tain with existence the traces of our swords and es- 
pontoons. They finally moved from the ground about 
eleven o'clock at night, scouring the grand parade with 
round and grape shot from four field pieces ; the troops 
advancing in a solid column, with fixed bayonets, produc- 
ing a diffusive fire of musketry in front, flank, and rear. 

" During this horrid scene, a few officers, with my- 
self, were carried by the tide to the fork of the roads 
at Mount Kemble ; but placing ourselves on that lead- 
ing to Elizabethtown, and producing a conviction to 
the soldiery that they could not advance upon that 
route, but over our dead bodies, they fortunately 
turned towards Princeton. 

" Colonels Butler and Stewart, (to whose spirited 
exertions I am much indebted) will accompany me to 
Vealtown, where the troops now are. We had our 
escapes last night. Should we not be equally fortunate 
to-day, our friends will have this consolation, that we 
did not commit the honor of the United States, or our 
own, on this unfortunate occasion. 

"Adieu, my dear general, and believe me yours, 
most sincerely, " Anthony Wayne. 

^''General Washington^ 

The conflict lasted about two hours ; and, at half 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 129 

past eleven, the revolters commenced their march to- 
wards Princeton, bivouacking for the night at Veal- 
town, as mentioned in the preceding letter of Wayne, 
who followed them to that place, and opened a corres- 
pondence with them for the purpose of bringing them 
back to their duty. 

Sir Henry Clinton, apprized of the revolt in the 
American camp, and presuming that the object of the 
deserters was to get to New York, speedily placed a 
corps of infantry and artillerists on Staten Island, with 
a sufficient number of boats for their speedy transporta- 
tion to Perth Amboy ; at the same time despatching 
written proposals to the insurgents, inviting them to a 
junction with him. These proposals reached them on 
the 7th of January. Instead of entertaining them, they 
promptly and proudly rejected them, spurning the idea 
of becoming Arnolds^ as they expressed it. They 
placed the two bearers in confinement as spies ; en- 
closed the overtures of the British in an envelope, and 
despatched them to Wayne by two sergeants ; with 
also a solemn assurance, that " should any hostile move- 
ment be made by the enemy, the division would im- 
mediately march, under their old and beloved com- 
mander, to meet and repel it."* 

By the zealous exertions of Wayne, in whom their 
confidence was yet undiminished, and whom they con- 
stituted the medium through which the correspondence 
between them and the civil authority should pass, 
money was raised, their grievances were redressed, and 
an amicable adjustment soon followed. Certain stipu- 
lations were entered into, and a temporary dissolution 
of the Pennsylvania line took place. After which, 
the officers were sent into Pennsylvania to recruit men. 

• Casket, p. 453.—- Sparks' Biog. p. 55. 



130 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The campaign of 1781 — Wayne is ordered to join the south- 
ern army — His untiring preparations — A mutin)^ — Jemy 
the Rover — Origin of the cognomen " Mad Anthony " — 
Wayne effects a junction with La Fayette — Battle of Green 
Spring — Wayne's daring and decisive attack — Compli- 
mentary letter received by him from Robert Morris, Esq. — 
Wayne pursues Tarleton — Retreat of the British — Lord 
Cornwallis takes up a position at Yorktown, Virginia — 
Arrival of the French fleet — Wayne and La Fayette — The 
British and French fleets — The siege of Yorktown — Sur- 
render of Cornwallis — Wayne's diary, etc. 

About the latter end of February, 1781, Gen. Wayne 
received orders to prepare to join the southern army 
under command of Gen. Greene, and to commence as 
early as possible the rendezvousing of the Pennsylvania 
troops, and to march them off by detachments as soon 
as they could be collected. But so dispersed were the 
men in consequence of the recent revolt, and so great 
was the difficulty of procuring camp equipage and 
money, and adjusting the pay due the troops, that he 
did not get in motion from York, Pennsylvania, until 
the latter end of May, when he proceeded to co-operate 
with La Fayette. While on his march to Virginia, in 
a letter to his family, Wayne gives the following ;it-- 
count of an execution that he was necessitated to put 
into force : 

" The anxiety of mind, and constant hurry of busi- 
ness, attending my station under trying circumstances, 
will be the best apology for so long a silence. I shall, 



I 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 131 

therefore, under the friendly covert of a tree, proceed 
to give you a brief detail of our manoeuvres. 

"When I arrived at York, there was scarcely a 
horse or carriage fit to transport any part of our bag- 
gage or supplies. This difficulty I found means to 
remedy, by bartering one species of public property to 
procure another. The troops were retarded in ad- 
vancing to the general rendezvous by the unaccount- 
able delay of the auditors, who were appointed to 
settle and pay the proportion of the depreciation due 
them, which, when received, was not equal to one- 
seventh part of its nominal value. This was an alarm- 
ing circumstance. The soldiery but too sensibly felt 
the imposition, nor did the conduct or precept of the 
inhabitants tend to moderate, but rather inflame their 
minds, by refusing to part with any thing for it ; say- 
ing it was not worth accepting, and that they ought not 
to march until justice was done them. To minds al- 
ready but too susceptible of this kind of impression, 
and whose recent revolt was still fresh in their memory, 
little more was wanting to stimulate them to try it again. 
The day antecedent to that on which the march was 
to commence, a few leading mutineers on the right of 
each regiment called out to pay them in real, not ideal 
money ; they were no longer to be trifled with. Upon 
this they were ordered to their tents ; which being pe- 
remptorily refused, the principals were immediately 
either knocked down or confined by the officers, who 
were previously prepared for this event. A court-mar- 
tial was ordered on the spot ; the commission of the 
crime, trial, and execution, were all included in the 
course of a few hours, in front of the line, paraded 
under arms. The determined countenances of the 
officers produced a conviction to the soldiery that the 
sentence of the court-martial would be carried into exe- 



132 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

ciition at every risk and consequence. Whether by 
design or accident, the particular friends and messmates 
of the culprits were their executioners ; and whilst the 
tears rolled down their cheeks in showers, they silently 
and faitlifully obeyed their orders without a moment's 
hesitation. Thus was this hideous monster crushed in 
its birth, however to myself and officers a most painful 
scene. We shall join the marquis in a few days, and 
produce a conviction to the world that death has no 
terrors when put in competition with our duty and 
glory. 

" P. S. Jemy, the Rover, alias the commodore, has 
absented himself from this detachment of the army. 
Should he in his ramble pass your way, I hope that 
you will extend towards him every hospitality which 
may be most likely to minister to his comfort. 1 am 
convinced that, whether in his hours of sanity or in- 
sanity, he would cheerfully lay down his life for either 
me or any of my family." 

Jemy, the Rover, to whom Wayne refers in this post- 
script, was the person with whom originated the cog- 
nomen " Mad Anthony." In all armies, the soldiers 
delight in nicknaming their principal officers ; and 
Jemy fixed one upon the subject of our memoir, by 
which he is to this day familiarly spoken of. The 
real name of Jemy is not recollected. He was an 
Irishman, and a regularly enlisted soldier in the Penn- 
sylvania line. He was subject to, or at least so feigned, 
occasional fits of craziness ; in which state he often 
proved very noisy and troublesome, and in one instance 
was ordered to the guard-house. Whilst the sergeant, 
with a file of men, Avas conducting him thither, Jemy 
suddenly halted, and asked the sergeant by whose 
orders he was arrested. " By those of the general," 
was the reply. " Then, forward !" said the Rover. In 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 133 

the course of a few hours he was released. In the 
act of taking his departure, he asked the sergeant 
whether Anthony, (this being the only name he gave 
Gen. Wayne,) was macU or in fun, when he placed 
him under arrest — not condescending to say under 
guard. The answer was, " The general has been much 
displeased with your disorderly conduct ; and a repeti- 
tion of it will be followed not only by confinement, but 
twenty-nine well laid on." " Then," exclaimed Jemy, 
"Anthony is mad; farewell to you — clear the coast 
for the commodore, mad Anthony's friend !"* 

On the 7th of June, the Pennsylvania troops, amount- 
ing to 1100, formed a junction with La Fayette, which 
Philips and Arnold, who were ravaging the country, in 
vain had endeavored to prevent. Immediately after 
this junction, La Fayette and Wayne advanced against 
Cornwallis, who was now retreating. La Fayette, with 
the main body of his army, continued to hold a posi- 
tion about twenty miles in the rear of the British, 
whilst the advanced corps, under Gen. Wayne, kept 
within eight or nine miles, with the view of com- 
mencing an attack on the rear-guard, after the main 
body should have passed the river. After a variety of 
marches and counter-marches. La Fayette received in- 
telhgence on the 5th of July, that the enemy had moved 



* " This Jemy, the Rover, had method in his derangement. 
General Wayne, to whom he was most devotedly attached, 
frequently employed him as a spy. While the American 
army lay at Valley Forge, he was repeatedly sent within the 
British lines, and always returned with correct and impor- 
tant information. It is said, by those who are yet living, and 
who well recollect the Rover, that he Avas a man of good 
educatioQ and extraordinary shrewdness. In fact it was 
much doubted whether or not Jemy feigned derangement."— 
Caskd, p. 499, 1829. 

12 



134 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

from Williamsburg to Jamestown, and were preparing 
to transport their baggage and troops over the river. 
This induced him to take a position at Chickahominy 
church, eight miles from Jamestown. Early the next 
morning, information was received that the main army 
of the British had already effected its passage. La 
Fayette directed Wayne to advance immediately and 
attack their rear-guard. Upon arriving at Green Spring 
Farm, near the enemy, Wayne discovered that the in- 
telligence of the main army having passed was false, 
and that he had now to confront the whole British host 
with but only five hundred men. The only possible 
mode which he could calculate upon, under these cir- 
cumstances, for saving his command from falling into 
the grasp of the enemy, was that which he promptly 
adopted, attacking vigorously and retreating precipi- 
tately. " Moments decide the fate of batdes ; and the 
mind of our hero, prompt as firm, seeing at a glance the 
whole extent of his danger, and knowing that boldness 
only could afibrd a sufficient security against it, re- 
sorted to a charge."* "At three o'clock," says Wayne,t 
" the riflemen commenced and kept up a galling fire 
upon the enemy, which continued until five in the after- 
noon, when the British began to move forward in 
columns ; upon which Major Galvan, at the head of 
the advanced guard, attacked them, and, after a spirited 
though unequal contest, retired upon our left. A de- 
tachment of the light infantry, under Major Willis, 
having arrived also, commenced a severe fire, but were 
obliged to fall back ; which the enemy observing, and 
beginning to turn our flanks — a manoeuvre in which, 
had they persevered, they must inevitably have pene- 
trated between this corps and the other part of the 



Sparks' Biography. f Letter of 8th July, 1781. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 135 

army ; but being joined at this crisis by Colonel Har- 
mer and Major Edwards, with part of the 2d and 3d 
Pennsylvania regiments, under Colonel Humpton, with 
one field piece, it was determined, among a choice of 
difRculties, to advance and charge them, although num- 
bering more than five times our force. This was done 
with so much spirit as to produce the desired effect; 
i. e. checking them in their advance, and diverting 
them from iheirjirst manoeuvre. But being enveloped 
by numbers, and many brave and worthy officers and 
soldiers killed or wounded, we found it expedient to fall 
back one half mile to Green Spring Farm. Two of 
our field pieces, which were necessarily introduced 
under Captain Duffee, to keep up the idea of our being 
in force, were served with equal spirit and effect, until 
disabled by having many of the men, with Captain 
Crosby, wounded, and all the horses killed, at last fell 
into their hands. The wagons and ammunition were 
saved. The enemy, sore from the contest, and finding 
us supported at that place by the remainder of the light 
infantry, were content with barely keeping the field, 
although opposed but by a handful of men compared 
with theirs ; and which, from the number of the ene- 
my and the nature of the ground, were obliged to act 
in a detached manner, except that part of the Pennsyl- 
vania line that had time to arrive, whose numbers did 
not exceed five hundred. From the mutual emulation 
in the officers and men of each corps, I am confident 
that, had the army been in force, victory would have 
inclined to our arms. However, every circumstance 
considered, our small reconnoitering party of horse and 
foot, who had the hardiness to engage Lord Cornwallis 
at the head of the whole British army, with the ad- 
vantage of a powerfid cavahy, on their own ground 
and in their own camp, are more to be envied than 



1.36 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

pitied on this oocasion ; and I trust that, in an equal 
contest, we shall produce a conviction to the world that 
we deserve success." 

In this action 108 of the continental troops were 
killed, wounded and taken. Many of the officers were 
severely wounded, and most of the field officers had 
their horses killed under them. The Marquis de La 
Fayette, in his official notice of this action says — "From 
every account the enemy's loss has been very great, 
and much pains taken to conceal ic." 

By some military critics this gallant attack of Wayne 
was considered rash and useless. Col. Lee, speaking 
of this engagement,"^ insinuates that it was not good 
generalship, but Wayne's eagerness for fighting, that 
brought al30ut the action. Such, however, was not 
the opinion of Washington, Greene, Robert Morris, 
and others. Washington writes him — " I, with the 
greatest pleasure, received the official account of the 
action at Green Spring. The Marquis do La Fayette 
speaks in the handsomest manner of your own be- 
haviour, and that of the troops, in the action. I think 
the account which Lord Cornwallis will be obliged to 
render of the state of southern aflfairs, will not be very 
pleasing to ministerial eyes and ears, especially after 
what appear to have been their expectations by their 
intercepted letters of March last. I am in hopes that 
Virginia will be soon, if not before this time, so far 
relieved as to permit you to march to the succor of 
General Greene, who, with a handful of men, has done 
more than could possibly have been expected ; should 
he be enabled to maintain his advantage in the Caroli- 
nas and Georgia, it cannot fail of having the most im- 
portant political consequences in Europe." 



See his Memoirs of the Southern Campaigns. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 137 

Gen. Greene, observes — " The marquis gives you 
glory for your late conduct in the action at Jamestown, 
and I am sensible you merit it. It gives fhe great 
pleasure to hear of the success of my friends ; but be 
a little careful and tread sofdy, for depend upon it, you 
have a modern Hannibal to deal with in the person of 
Lord CornwalHs. Oh ! that I but had you with me 
a few days ago, your glory and the public good might 
have been greatly advanced. Cols. Lee and Washing- 
ton are the heroes of the south, and bear down all be- 
fore them." 

The distinguished Robert Morris, who was at this 
time financier-general, addressed Wayne in the follow- 
ing words. " We have received a full report of the 
action at Green Springs. It is very flattering to find 
our troops arrived to that degree of discipline which 
enables them to face, with inferior numbers, that proud 
foe who have heretofore attempted to treat our army 
with such contempt. It is still more agreeable to find 
these handful of troops have been led to the conflict 
by officers revered for their public, and esteemed for 
their private, conduct through life. I do assure you, 
my worthy friend, that I shall think my present toils 
well rewarded when they enable you and your com- 
petitors for glory to enjoy the sweets, whilst you en- 
dure the toils of a military life. It is true that my 
views extend much farther, but this is not the smallest 
nor the least pleasing objects of my pursuit. I hope 
to see you this winter, enjoying the trophies ac(juired 
by a glorious campaign. In the meantime, I shall be 
happy in, and profited, no doubt by occasionally hear- 
ing from you." 

The night after the action at Green Spring, the 
enemy retreated, says La Fayette, in his despatches, 
" to James' Island, which they also evacuated, crossing 



13S LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

over to tlie south of the river." On the 9th, Corn- 
wallis despatched Col. Tarleton, with his legion and 
some mounted infantry, to Bedford county, adjoining 
the Blue Ridge, with the view of destroying some pub- 
lic stores which were supposed to be. collected in that 
quarter for the use of Greene's army, and also for the 
purpose of intercepting any troops which might be 
advancing from the south to reinforce La Fayette. 
Fortunately those stores had been forwarded to Greene 
previous to Tarleton's excursion ; and as he met no 
troops marching from the south, he rapidly retrograded, 
and joined Cornwallis on the 15th day from his 
departure. 

A-s soon as La Fayette received intelligence of 
Tarleton's movement, he detached Gen. Wayne, with 
the Pennsylvania regulars, and Gen. Morgan, who 
previously to this had retired from the regular service, 
with the militia riflemen and horse to intercept Col, 
Tarleton. But the troops, under this oflicer, being all 
mounted, were enabled to evade the American detach- 
ment. " I made a push for Tarleton in Amelia," 
Wayne says,* " but obtaining intelligence of my ad- 
vance, he made a precipitate retreat." 

So soon as Tarleton rejoined the army, Cornwallis 
marched to Portsmouth, and commenced fortifying 
there. However, after remaining at that place but a 
few days, he received orders from Sir Henry Clinton 
to occupy the most eligible position on the Chesapeake, 
as well with a view to the convenience of a winter 
harbor for part of the British fleet, as for facilitating 
any military operations on or near the waters of that 
bay. In obedience to these orders, Cornwallis, after 
much reconnoitering for a suitable position, or such a 



* Letter to Gov, Nelson, July 24th, 178 L 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNK. 139 

one as would combine the views of his commander-in- 
chief, selected Yorktown, a short distance up the York 
river, to which, early in August, he moved the principal 
portion of his forces, and commenced such a system 
of fortifications as clearly indicated a permanent post. 
At this place, the whole army under his command, was 
concentrated before the 23d of August. Thus situated — 
and waiting to co-operate in the subjugation of Virginia 
with a fleet which he was led to expect would about 
this time arrive from the West Indies in the Chesa- 
peake — he employed his extensive corps of cavalry in 
furnishing every species of supply that did not reach 
him by water ; whilst his army was at all times pre- 
pared to advance on La Fayette ahd Wayne, should 
they move with their comparatively feeble army with- 
in striking distance of him. 

Gen. Washington, on receiving intelligence that 
the Count de Grasse contemplated being on the Ameri- 
can coast early in the month of August, with a power- 
ful fleet, and three thousand land forces, resolved, in 
the first instance, with the combined American and 
French troops, to attack Sir Henry Clinton on York 
Island ; but after having maturely reflected on the 
chances of success, between operating against Clinton 
and Cornwallis, on York river, in Virginia, the pro- 
bability of success against the latter, preponderated. 

La Fayette had been for some time expecting the de- 
cision of the commander-in-chief upon this interesting 
point. Washington, so soon as he decided, apprized 
La Fayette of it, and commanded him " to take mea- 
sures for the interception of Lord Cornwallis' retreat, 
should that general discover the intended blow, and 
attempt to elude it by gaining North Carolina." La 
Fayette instantly adopted every possible means in his 
power to carry the orders of the commander-in-chief 



140 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

into effect, by the instrumentality of his regulars and 
that of the miUtia. 

In consequence of the above information and ar- 
rangements, the following letters passed between the 
marquis and Gen. Wayne : 

''Col. Braxton's House, 22d August, 1781. 
" Dear Sir — The long expected letter is at length 
arrived. In consequence of which, you will begin your 
march to-morrow morning, and move pretty rapidly to 
Westover, where you will find boats in readiness to 
cross. But I would not have you to cross till you hear 
further from me. You will, therefore, take a conve- 
nient position for your supplies and this purpose. The 
commissary which I have sent will be able to provide 
you with some flour and rum from Richmond. Upon 
your report, I have made him answerable for his con- 
duct. 

" I have the honor to be, dear sir, 
" Your obedient servant, 

"La Fayette. 
"General Wayne.''^ 

"25//i August, 1781. 
" Dear Sir — I am happy in this safe opportunity 
to open my heart to you. There is an important se- 
cret which I communicate to you alone, and which I 
request you to keep from every body's knowledge. 
There is great reason to hope for an immediate aid by 
water. In the last letter from the general, he commu- 
nicates this intelligence, which I am bound upon honor 
to keep secret. He directs me to keep you here until 
further orders ; and, above all, recommends that every 
measure may be taken to prevent the enemy's retreat- 
ing to Carolina. Your position at \Vestover seems to 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 141 

ease the mind of Lord Cornwallis ; and should he pass 
over James' river, your troops may be on the other side 
by the time the remainder of the army arrives there. 
But in case our friends occupy water passages, we may 
in one day form our junction above Sand's Bridge,. and 
co-operate with them against the common enemy. I 
would, therefore, wish you to take a healthy position 
near Westover ; to make every preparation ; to collect 
the means of helping to keep up the idea of a south- 
ern destination, and to improve your situation upon 
James' river, in having your men well supplied. The 
one hundred Virginians had better join the battalion, 
when they will add to the discipline and improvement 
of the new levies. I request you will pay attention to 
the improvement of that battalion. I hope the execu- 
tive will send them clothing. Any arms to be had 
upon the James' river, could conveniently come down 
to them. 

" Very sincerely, yours, 

"La Fayette. 
^* General Wayne J* 

"Prince George^ s County, 31*/ Aug., 1781. 

" Dear Marquis — I had the honor of writing you 
the 28th instant ; on which occasion 1 mentioned the 
unmilitary position at Westover, to troops who had no 
command of the water, and destitute of horse, which 
had determined me take post on Malvan hills. 

" The next morning after our arrival there, I was 
favored with your orders of the same day ; upon which 
the troops immediately took up their line of march, 
and began to cross the James' river from Westover, 
about sunset, the night before last ; and, by perseveriuj^ 
night and day, with a few bad boats without any hands, 



142 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

excepting soldiers unacquainted with water craft, we 
have effected this fatiguing business. 

" The boats shall be sent to Mentzea's ferry imme- 
diately. I have directed the party who takes them, to 
join us the soonest possible after depositing the craft 
at that place. 

" I shall proceed for Cabin's Point ; and if I find 
Lord Cornwallis anxious to pass the river, I will en- 
deavor to dissuade him from it by the most forcible 
arguments. 

" Interim, believe me, yours, most sincerely, 

"A. Wayne. 

^^ Marquis La Fayette.''^ 

''Holt's Forge, August 31, 1781. 
" My dear Sir — By information from Cape Charles, 
I hear that a large fleet from the southward was yes- 
terday standing for the bay. Though this account is 
not yet so ascertained as to make it public, I have every 
reason to believe those are Count de Grasse's, with 
twenty-five ships of the line, and a body of land forces. 
This will enable his excellency to come down frojn 
the head of Elk. Lord Cornwallis must then either 
submit to a siege, or this very night endeavor to gain 
the south side of James' river. Now that you are 
over, I am pretty easy ; forty dragoons, three hundred 
riflemen, and three hundred militia, are to join you 
immediately at Cabin's Point. I request you will use 
every endeavor to be acquainted with the enemy's 
movements. Mulberry or Hog Island seems to be the 
best places for them to land. I have previously re- 
quested the French admiral to push frigates up James' 
river ; but this depends upon winds. The remainder 
of the army is ready to support you — General Stevens 
at the ferry, and the light infantry at this place. The 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 143 

moment every door by water is shut, I will request 
you to move this way, and we will take measures for 
a junction with the French troops. I wish you to 
communicate to me every intelligence you may obtain. 
I shall be very vigilant to do the same for you. 

" Most sincerely and affectionately, yours, 

"La Fayette. 

^'General Wayne.''^ 

Whilst Gen. Washington was making such demon- 
strations towards an attack on Clinton's posts at New 
York Island, as to induce the latter officer to devote 
his whole attention to their security, he was, at the 
same time, disposing of the American troops, and those 
of the French under Gen. Rochambeau, in such a man- 
ner as to enable him to make a rapid move to the 
Chesapeake ; and he had duly apprized the Count de 
Barras, who lay at Rhode Island with a squadron of 
French ships, of his recent determination to attack 
Lord Cornwallis on the York river, in Virginia. The 
count speedily arranged all matters which fell under 
his province, and, on the 25th August, sailed for the 
Chesapeake, having under his charge all the heavy, 
ordnance and military stores for the intended opera- 
tions against Cornwallis. On the same day that De 
Barras left Rhode Island, to join De Grasse in the 
Chesapeake, the last division of Washington's army 
crossed the Hudson. So fully persuaded was Sir Hen- 
ry that the army under his immediate command, and 
not that of Cornwallis, was the object of Washington's 
attack, that he could not believe the contrary until the 
advanced division of the allied army had passed the 
Delaware ; but then, in place of adopting measures for 
the relief of Cornwallis, he detached a strong body of 
troops under the infamous Arnold, to fall like demons 



l44 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

on Connecticut, in hopes by this means to recall Wash 
ington from the further pursuit of his plans against 
Cornwallis. Vain effort — the steady mind of' the com- 
mander-in-chief was not thus to be diverted from its 
object. The combined army continued its march until 
it reached the place of destination. It will be proper 
at this stage, although very cursorily, to advert to 
the respective movements of the French and British 
fleets. 

Sir George B. Rodney, the British admiral, then 
commanding in the West Indies, having received intel- 
ligence from his government that the Count de Grasse 
would speedily arrive on the American coast, gave 
orders to Admiral Hood, (then with him,) to proceed 
instantly with a squadron of ships to the United States 
coast. Those orders were speedily obeyed by Hood, 
who, it was expected, when joined by Admiral Greaves 
with a squadron of ships, then at New York, would 
be a full match for the supposed number of ships under 
command of De Grasse and Barras. 

Hood, with fourteen sail of the line, reached the 
Chesapeake bay on the 25th of August, it being the 
same day that Count de Barras sailed from Rhode 
Island ; and, however extraordinary the coincidence 
may appear, on the same day that the last division of 
the allied army, destined to operate against Cornwallis, 
crossed the Hudson. 

Hood, looking into the Chesapeake and Delaware 
bays but discovering no fleet of his adversaries in 
either, proceeded to Sandy Hook, where he arnived 
on the 28th of August. 

On the same day Admiral Greaves joined Hood 
with five additional ships of the line, and instantly put 
to sea, in hopes of intercepting Barras, of whose sail- 
ing he had just received intelligence, or cutting off De 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 145 

Grasse before a junction could be formed between 
them. If either had occurred, fatal might have been 
the consequences ; and especially if Barras had have 
been met and vanquished, because his vessels carried 
all the heavy ordnance as well as military stores to be 
employed in the operations against Cornwallis. Most 
happily, the British admiral was disappointed of suc- 
ceeding in either of his objects. Barras evaded the 
British fleet by standing far out to sea, and De Grasse, 
on the 30th, anchored safely in the Chesapeake bay, 
being a considerable time before the British admiral 
reached the latitude of the Virginia capes. 

In consequence of the arrival of the French fleet. 
La Fayette requested an interview with Wayne, on 
which occasion an accident happened to the latter, 
which he ten days subsequently thus mentioned in a 
letter to a friend. " On the 2d instant the French 
troops landed near this place.* After I had pointed 
out the most proper position for an encampment, I 
received an express from the Marquis La Fayette, to 
meet him on business of importance that evening, about 
ten miles distant. I proceeded, accordingly, attended 
by two gentlemen and a servant. When we arrived 
in the vicinity of his camp, about 10 o'clock at night, 
we were challenged by a sentry, and we made the 
usual answer, but the poor fellow being panic struck, 
mistook us for the enemy, and shot me in the centre 
of the left thigh, then fled and alarmed the camp. 
Fortunately, the ball only grazed die bone, and lodged 
on the side opposite to which it entered." 

This circumstance must have been a source of great 
mortification to him, inasmuch as the wound confined 
him for many days, and, of course, deprived him of 



• The troops, 3000 of them, landed at Burwell's Ferry. 
7 



146 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

participating in those personal congratulations and 
civilities, which no doubt speedily and reciprocally 
passed between the American and French officers. 
Independently of this, the wound was not inflicted by 
an enemy's ball, yet he was necessitated for a time to 
withdraw from that active and efficient service, which 
both duty and inclination equally and at all times im- 
pelled him to employ in behalf of his much beloved 
country. However, he appears from his letters to 
have submitted to his pain and mortification with that 
resignation and cheerfulness for which he was, on all 
occasions that called for them, so much admired both 
in and out of the army. " This caitiff disorder is now 
leaving me," he writes on tlie 12th of Sept., " and I 
shall, in a few days, take an active and interesting 
command in despite of the ball, and hope to participate 
in the glory of attending the capture of Lord Corn- 
walUs and his marauding army."* In a postscript to 
this letter, he adds, " I this day mounted and rode my 
horse ; an exertion which caused some pain ; yet I 
succeeded beyond my expectation." 

On the 5th of September, the van of the British fleet 
appeared off Cape Henry. As soon as De Grasse as- 
certained its character, not knowing. at first view but 
it was De Barras' squadron, from Rhode Island, he 
slipped his cables and went out to sea, in order to offer 
admiral Greaves battle. The British admiral did not 
refuse to accept the challenge, although he had but 
nineteen sail of the line to oppose to twenty-four. 

A partial engagement ensued on the 7th, in which 
the French had the advantage — night separated the 
combatants. The action was not renewed, although 
the respective fleets continued in the neighborhood of 

* Letter to Richard Peters, Esq. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 147 

each other during four days. De Grasse re-entered 
the Chesapeake on the 10th, very prudently contenting 
himself with the possession of the bay, without further 
hazarding his fleet at this critical moment, by exposing 
it to batdes and storms. During the excursion of De 
Grasse, De Barras safely moored in the Chesapeake 
his squadron from Rhode Island with the transports. 
Admiral Greaves, notwithstanding some of his vessels 
were much disabled, and one abandoned and burnt, 
neared the capes ; but, discovering the whole French 
fleet in the bay, he sailed for New York.* 

Cornwallis' garrison amounted to 7,000, and the 
place was strongly fortified. His main works were at 
Yorklown, which is nearly surrounded by the river 
and a morass ; and on the isthmus he had erected a 
strong redoubt, etc., with ditches, fraises, and abatis. 
He also occupied Gloucester, on the opposite side, 
where he had erected some works to keep up the com- 
munication with the country. 

Gen. Washington reached the neighborhood of the 
i^ery interesting scene of operation, against the re- 
nowned although unfortunate Cornwallis, on the 14th 
Df September, and immediately proceeded on board the 



* Casket, p. 358. — On the 7th of September, M. de Grasse 
jncountered the British fleet, and a distant fight took place, 
.n which the French seemed to rely more on their manoeu- 
rring than on their valor. The reason of this was soon ap- 
parent. In the course of the night that followed the action, 
a squadron of eight line of battle ships safely passed the 
British, and joined De Grasse ; in consequence of which ac- 
cession of strength to his antagonist, Admiral Graves thought 
it prudent to quit that part of the coast, and retire to New 
York. This impediment to their operations having been re- 
moved, the Americans and French directed the whole of 
iheir united efforts to the capture of Yorktown." — Frosfs< 
United States. 



148 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

Ville de Paris, (flag-ship of the French admiral,) when 
the plan of siege was concerted with the Count de 
Grasse. De Grasse was very desirous to move with 
his fleet to New York, previously to his joining in the 
siege, for the purpose of blocking up the British fleet ; 
a measure from which he was with difficulty dissuaded 
by Washington. Had De Grasse persevered in his 
resolution, the glorious event of Cornwallis' capture 
might not now be matter of record ; but, in lieu of it, 
the disastrous and bloody scenes which crushed an em- 
pire just rising into existence. Here we have another 
instance of the interposition of that benign and con- 
trolling Providence which compelled the ambition, 
pride, and folly of man, the seas and winds to be still, 
when acting in opposition to that great cause, which, 
when crowned with success, instantly burst asunder 
the shackles which had long held in bondage both the 
body and mind of the free-born American. 

Subjoined is Gen. Wayne's diary of the siege of 
York town and capture of Cornwallis : 

"On the 28th of September, 1781, his excellency 
General Washington put the combined army in motion 
at 5 o'clock in the morning, in two columns, (the Ame- 
ricans on tiie right and the French on the left,) and 
arrived in view of the enemy's lines at York, about 4 
o'clock in the afternoon. 

" 29ih. — Completed the investiture. The enemy 
abandoned their advanced chain of works this evening, 
leaving two redoubts perfect within cannon-shot of 
their principal fortifications. This was not only un- 
military, but an indication of confused precipitation. 

"30th. — The allied troops possessed the ground aban- 
doned by the British ; the French occupied the two re- 
doubts ; and the Americans broke ground, and began 
two new ones on the right. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 149 

" 1st October. — The enemy discovered our works 
in the morning ; commenced a cannonade, which con- 
tinued through the day and night with very little ef- 
fect. 

" 2d. — Two men were killed by the enemy's fire. 

" 3d. — Last night a drop-shot from the British killed 
four men belonging to the covering party. 

" 4th. — The redoubts were perfected ; enemy's fire 
languid. 

" 5th. — Two men were killed by ricochet shot. 

" 6th. — Six regiments, i. e. one from the right of 
each brigade, marched at G o'clock, p. m., under the 
command of Major-General Lincoln and Brigadiers 
Clinton and Wayne, and opened the first parallel with- 
in 550 yards of the enemy's works and their extreme 
left, which was continued by the French to the ex- 
treme right. 

" 7th — The parallel nearly complete, without any 
opposition, except a litde scattered fire of musketry, 
and a feeble fire of artillery, by which a few of the 
French troops were wounded, and one officer lost his 
leg. 

*' 8th. — Completed the first parallel ; two of the 
Pennsylvanians were killed by ricochet shot. 

" 9th. — At 3 o'clock, p. m., the French opened a 
twelve-gun battery on the extreme right of the enemy ; 
and at 5 o'clock, the same afternoon, a battery of ten 
pieces was opened on their extreme left, by the Ame- 
ricans, with apparent effect. 

" 10th. — At day-break, three more batteries were 
opened, (one of five heavy pieces by the Americans, 
and two containing twenty-two by the French,) oppo- 
site the centre of the British works ; at 5 p. m., another 
American battery of two ten-inch howitzers was also 
opened, which produced so severe a fire that it, in a 
13* 



150 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

great degree, silenced that of the enemy ; at 7 o'clock, 
p. M., the Caron, of 44 guns, was set on fire by our 
balls, and totally consumed. 

"11th.— The second parallel was opened this night 
by the Pennsylvanians and Maryland ers, covered by 
two battalions under General Wayne, on the part of 
the Americans. 

"12th. — Nothing material. 

"13th. — That pari of the second parallel which was 
opened, nearly completed. 

"14th. — A little after dark, two detached redoubts 
belonging to the enemy were stormed ; that on the ex- 
treme left by the light infantry, under the Marquis La 
Fayette, in which were taken a major, captain, and one 
subaltern, with seventeen privates, and eight rank and 
file killed. Our army lost, in killed and wounded, 
forty-one. The other was carried by the French, under 
the Baron de Viominial, who lost, in killed and wound- 
ed, about one hundred men. Of the enemy, eighteen 
were killed, and three officers and thirty-nine privates 
were made prisoners. The above attacks were sup- 
ported by two battalions of the Pennsylvanians, under 
General Wayne ; whilst the second parallel was com- 
pleted by the Pennsylvanians and Marylanders, under 
Colonel W. Stewart 

"15th. — ^Two small batteries were opened this even- 
ing. 

"16th. — The enemy made a sortie, and spiked seven 
pieces of artillery, but were immediately repulsed, the 
spikes drawn, and batteries again opened. 

"17th. — The enemy beat the chamade at 10 o'clock, 

A. M. 

CornAvallis now " sent out a flag, proposing a cessa- 
tion of hostilities for twenty-four hours," continues 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 151 

Wayne,* " and that commissioners might be appointed 
to meet at Mr. Moore's house, to settle the terms upon 
which the garrisons of York and Gloucester should 
surrender. General Washington would only grant a 
cessation for two hours ; previously to the expiration 
of which, his lordship, by another flag, sent the fol- 
lowing terms, viz : The troops to be prisoners of war; 
the British to be sent to Great Britain, and not to act 
against America, France, or their allies, until exchanged ; 
the Hessians to Germany, on the same conditions ; and 
that all operations cease until the commissioners should 
determine the details. To this his excellency returned 
for answer : That hostilities should cease, and no al- 
terations in the works, or any new movement of the 
troops, take place, until he sent terms in writing; 
which he did on the 18th, at nine o'clock, a. m., allow- 
ing the enemy two hours to determine. They again 
requested more time ; and the general granted them 
until one o'clock, when they acceded to the heads of 
the imposed terms, and nominated Colonel Dundas 
and Major Ross, on their part, to meet with Colonel 
Laurens and Viscount de Noailles on ours, to reduce 
them to form, which was completed by nine o'clock at 
night ; and, on the 19th, at one o'clock, p. m., the ca- 
pitulation was ratified and signed by the commander 
of each army, when the enemy received a guard of 
Pennsylvania and Maryland troops in one of their prin- 
cipal works, and one of French troops in another. At 
four o'clock, the same afternoon, the British army 
marched out of Yorktown with colors cased^ between 
the American and French troops, drawn up for the pur- 
pose, and then grounded their arms agreeably to capitu- 
lation." 



* Letter to Hon. George Clymer, dated Oct. 20, 1781. 



152 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Wayne reaches the southern army — receives orders from 
Gen. Greene — he crosses the Savannah into Georgia- 
captures a body of Indians — his talk to them — defeats the 
British and Indians on the 21st of May, 1782 — his camp 
attacked on the night of the 24th — gallant action — Wayne's 
horse shot under him — he fights on foot, resolved to be vic- 
torious or die in the midst of his enemy. — Evacuation of 
Savannah, and triumphant entry of Wayne — after which 
he repairs to the army of Gen. Greene. — Evacuation of 
Charleston. — 111 health of Wayne — He returns to Philadel- 
phia — is brevetted a major-general — elected to a seat in 
the General Assembly, etc. 

Gen. Greene had been long and anxiously expect- 
ing the arrival of Wayne and the Pennsylvania troops 
in the south ; and about the 1st of January, 1782, our 
hero reached the camp of the southern army. This 
augmentation of force, together with the fall of Corn- 
wallis, enabled Greene to gratify his wishes in afford- 
ing military aid to the state of Georgia, wherein the 
enemy had been long rioting without the fear of oppo- 
sition from either regulars or militia. Citizen had 
risen against citizen, and more deadly hatred existed 
between whig and tory than against the common ene- 
my, and but slender means of protection could be pro- 
cured for either life or property. Such was the dis- 
tressed situation of Georgia ; and Greene despatched 
Wayne into that state, with instructions to " try, by 
every means, to soften the malignity and deadly re- 
sentments subsisting between whigs and tories, and to 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 153 

put a stop, as much as possible, to the cruel custom of 
putting people to death after a surrender. I am sen- 
sible there are many difficulties which will attend your 
command," adds Greene ; " but the high opinion I 
have of your zeal, abilities, resource, and enterprise, 
as well as perseverance, give me the most flattering ex- 
pectations that you will surmount them all, and do 
honor to yourself, as well as render most essential ser- 
vice to your country."* 

In pursuance of these instructions, Wayne imme- 
diately proceeded to the execution of the arduous task 
assigned him, with a body of troops very inferior in 
point of numbers to those of the enemy. On the 19th 
of February, he crossed the Savannah river, and effect- 
ed a landing in Georgia, with a detachment of the 1st 
and 4th regiments of dragoons. With this force, aided 
by a small state corps and a few spirited militia, he 
manoeuvred the enemy out of several strong posts, and 
confined to the town of Savannah 1500 regular troops, 

. exclusive of tory-militia, refugees, Indians, and armed 
negroes, amounting to nearly a thousand more, who, in 
their retreat, desolated the country, destroyed and broke 
up all. the bridges and causeways to the very gates of 
the town — measures, by which the British Gen. Clarke 
thought to have compelled Wayne to abandon Georgia ; 
but hearing of a quantity of forage and provisions on 
the Great, Ogechee, fifteen miles from Savannah, and 
being determined to seize them and hold possession of 
Georgia, he advanced to secure them. — When he ar- 
rived near that river, he received intelligence of a body 
of Creek Indians, on their march to Savannah. In or- 

i der to dece>ve or decoy them, he instantly detached a 
strong party of horse, under Col. M'Coy, dressed in 

♦ pA*eA Head Quarters, Round 0, Jan, 9th, 1782. 



154 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

British uniform. The deception succeeded, and the 
Indians were surrounded and disarmed without the 
least resistance, although they had previously prepared 
for action, with every warlike insignia upon them. 
During the above transaction, his videttes announced 
the approach of a large body of horse, which proved to 
be ninety-three pack horses, loaded with skins, &c., 
escorted by thirty or forty mounted Indians and tories, 
who effected their escape by abandoning their horses 
and dashing into a deep swamp : the horses, skins, &c. 
were secured. 

Among the captured Indians were twenty-six head 
chiefs or warriors, with their Interpreter. Humanity, 
as well as policy induced Wayne to spare their lives, 
and send them to their own country, with a talk calcu- 
lated to keep them neutrals and to remain quiet spec* 
tators until the war should terminate between us and 
Britain. 

In this talk to the Indians, Wayne- briefly stated the 
rise and progress of the present war. He informed 
them that he was no Englishman, but a plain, open 
warrior, born upon the same great continent with them 
— that all the Americans asked of the Indians was to 
remain quiet spectators until the war should be termi- 
nated — but that if Indians should be deaf to the voice 
of reason, and wished to shed the blood of a people 
who never injured them ; if they preferred the hatchet 
to the olive branch, Americans possessed undaunted 
hearts, strong arms, and keen cutting swords, with 
which they were ready to meet them on their own i 
grounds. 

" It is now upwards of five weeks," writes Wayne, . 
on the 24th of February,* "since we entered this state,. 



• Letter to Gen. Wm. Irvine, dated Ebenezer, state of 1 
Georgia. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 155 

during which period not an officer or soldier with me 
has once undressed for the purpose of changing his 
linen ; nor do the enemy lay on beds of down — they 
have once or twice attempted to strike our advanced 
parties. The day before yesterday, they made a for- 
ward move in considerable force, which induced me to 
advance to meet them ; but the lads declined the inter- 
view, by embarking in boats and retreating by water to 
Savannah, the only post which they hold in Georgia." 
On the 21st of May, Wayne received intelligence of 
the enemy being out in force ; a movement which he 
had long- desired, and with avidity he availed himself 
of the opportunity to attack them. The Americans 
were at Ebenezer, and the intelligence reported the 
enemy to be seven miles distant, at Harris' bridge, on 
the Ogechee road. Upon inquiry, Wayne found that 
the only route to the enemy's position was through a 
swamp of nearly four miles extent, with many deep 
and dangerous morasses to pass ; and then to intersect 
the Ogechee road, at an intermediate distance from Sa- 
vannah and the bridge. He was properly impressed 
with the difficulty attending a night's march over such 
ground, as well as the delicacy of a manceuvre that 
placed him between the whole of the enemy's force in 
Georgia ; but when he came to reflect upon the expe- 
rience and gallantry of the officers, and the steady, 
bravery of the troops, they were ordered to advance^ 
from the conviction that the success of a nocturnal at- 
tack depended more upon prowess than numbers. A^t 
12 o'clock at night the American van arrived at the 
Ogechee road, four miles S. W. of Savannah^ when the 
enemy also appeared advancing in close and good or- 
der. Notwithstanding this unexpected circumstance, 
and the great disparity of numbers, Wayne ordered the 
van guard to charge, which was obeyed with such vi- 



156 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

vacity as to terminate in the total defeat and dispersion 
of all the British cavdry, and a large body of infantry 
picked from the 7th regiment, the Hessians, Tanning's 
and Brown's regulars, with the Choctaw Indians, to- 
nes, &;c., the whole commanded by Col. Brown. 

After this action, Wayne moved from Ebenezer, and 
took post at Sharon, five miles in front of the enemy. 
On the night of the 24th, his rear guard, with which he 
was in person, received an attack from upwards of 500 
picked chiefs and warriors of the Creek nation, which 
speedily brought on a general action. " The advance 
of a large bo^ of Creek Indians," he writes,* ^'head- 
ed by a number of their most celebrated chiefs and 
warriors, and a British officer, was announced at half 
after one o'clock this morning, by a most furious attack 
upon Lieutenant-Colonel Posey's light company, which 
had been placed for the protection ^of two field pieces, 
a short distance in rear of his battalions. Their -omset 
was so impetuous and their numbers so superior, that 
this gallant little corps was compelled to fall back a few 
paces, a circumstance which, for a few minutes, put the 
enemy in possession of that artillery. But the corps 
immediately rallied under Captain Gunn, with his 
troop of dragoons, when I instandy ordered the two 
companies to advance to the charge, which they did, 
through a most tremendous fire of small arms, accom- 
panied by a hideous yell of the enemy, from almost 
every direction. Colonel Posey and Major Finley, 
with their command, were now ordered to advance, and 
charge the Indians in flank ; the whole was performed 
with such irresistible vigor, that the action terminated 
in the total route of the savages, who did not discover 
want of prowess on this occasion ; but they met our 



* Letter to Gen. Greene, dated Sharon, 24th June, 1782. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 157 

charge with that ferocity for which they are so famous 
at the onset ; and it was especially so in this instance, 
being not a little elated with their temporary success 
in gaining possession of our cannon. Our enemy re- 
treated into the pipe-maker's swamp, where they dis- 
persed with precipitation. Many Indians and two 
white men fell dead on the field ; among the former 
several chiefs, with the famous Guristersigo, our great- 
est enemy, and principal warrior of the Creek nation. 
Their proportion of wounded must be considerable, as 
the bravery of the Indians, fighting hand to hand, gave 
an opening for the free use of the sword and bayonet. 

" As I had every reason to suspect a combined opera- 
tion by an attack from the British, we formed to re- 
ceive them, and made a disposition, at the same time, 
to prevent a junction with their savage allies ; for 
which purpose Colonel Posey, with part of his bat- 
talion, advanced to a position near the enemy's lines, 
where we forced their pickets, and produced a convic- 
tion to them that we were at once in possession of the 
field of action, and in a condition to profit from events.* 

" A few minutes after sunrise we formed a junction 
of our whole force, when the British made an advance, 
who, after sustaining some loss, were driven back to 
their works by a detachment of infantry and cavalry ; 
but, notwithstanding every precaution to prevent it, part 
of the Indians found their way into Savannah, under 
cover of the swamp already mentioned. 



* Col. Lee, in his Memoirs, adverting to the above ren- 
counter, says : — " Wayne, participating with his light corps 
in the surrounding dangers, was now dismounted, his horse 
being killed. But he behaved with his accustomed gallantry. 
Not doubting but General Clarke, with his whole force from 
Savannah, was upon him, he determined to cut his way to 
victory, or die in the midst of his enemy." 

14 



158 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

" Our trophies are an elegant British standard, 107 
horses, with a number of packs, arms, etc., and more 
horses are hourly secured and brought in." In a post- 
script, he adds, " Such was the determined bravery 
with which the Indians fought, that, after I had cut 
down one of their chiefs, with his last breath he drew 
his trigger, and shot my noble horse dead under me." 

The body of Indians that made the above mentioned 
attack, was to have formed a junction with the British, 
under Colonel Brown, near the Ogechee, about this 
period ; but, in consequence of some mistake in the 
interpreters. Brown had anticipated the time, and expe- 
rienced a total defeat on the night of the 21st of May. 

Says Mr. Gordon, in his History of the American 
Revolution, " The British administration having re- 
solved upon abandoning all offensive operations in 
America, the scheme of evacuating the weaker posts in 
the United States, was adppted, and that at Savannah 
was to be the first. When the measure was determin- 
ed upon, the merchants and others, inhabitants of the 
place, obtained permission to apply to Wayne for the 
security and preservation of their persons and property. 
He replied to their deputies, that should the- British 
garrison eventually eifect an evacuation, the persons 
and properties of such inhabitants, or others, who 
choose to remain in Savannah, will be protected by the 
military, and resigned, inviolate into the hands of the 
civil authority, which must ultimately decide. The 
merchants and inhabitants of Savannah having sent out 
a second flag, Wayne, at the desire of the civil autho- 
rity of the state, sent them for answer — ' That them er- 
chants not owing allegiance to the United States, will 
be permitted to remain a reasonable time, to dispose of 
their goods and settle their affairs.' Major Habersham, 
who was charged with this message, pledged himself 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 161 

that they might rely with the utmost confidence on the 
terms proposed to them." 

On the llth of July, 1782, Savannah was evacuated 
by the British, and Wayne took possession of it. 
Shortly after this, the situation of Greene became criti- 
cal in South Carolina, and, in August, Wayne received 
orders to form an immediate junction with him. He 
did so, and, with the aid of the Pennsylvania troops, 
executed most important services in circumscribing 
and chastising the British foraging parties in the neigh- 
borhood of Charleston. 

About the latter end of November, the light infantry 
of the army, and the legionary corps, (part of whom 
had so gallandy followed his standard in Georgia,) 
were added to Wayne's command. With this united 
force he passed the Ashley river, and pushed the ad- 
vanced corps of the enemy into Charleston. He now 
continued to hold a convenient position, for the purpose 
of attacking their rear, when the hour of the contem- 
plated evacuation should arrive. 

The British general (Leslie) dreading this, made a 
proposition, that if his army were permitted to embark 
without molestation, every care should be taken for the 
preservation of the town, etc. To this Gen. Greene 
acceded ; and, on the morning of the i4th of Decem- 
ber, 1782, Gen. Wayne had the honor and satisfac- 
tion to take peaceable possession of Charleston, with 
the infantry and legionary corps ; thus closing his last 
active and military scene in the revolutionary war, 
after having performed many exploits no less brilliant 
than important. 

At this glorious period in the history of his coun- 
try's glory, in establishing which no one had more 
largely contributed by personal exertions than himself, 
Wayne found his health seriously affected. In conse- 
14* 



162 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

quence of great fatigue and exposure, he contracted a 
severe indisposition ; and himself, as well as his friends, 
became apprehensive of his falling a victim to a fever 
which had so long and obstinately adhered to him. 
He writes to his friend Dr. Rush,* that on the 2d of 
September, he was seized by a violent fever ; " nor 
have I," he continues, "from that period to this hour, 
enjoyed one day's health. My physicians, after try- 
ing the powers of almost the whole materia medica, 
without effect, have directed the substitution of regi- 
men and moderate exercise, in hopes of removing a 
complaint from my breast which possesses many diag- 
nostics of a pulmonary consumption, although our 
medical gentlemen say that they are feelings or the 
natural effects of a continued and severe fever, and are 
happy presages of the manner in which those fevers 
generally terminate. Be that as it may, I have this 
consolation, that neither idleness nor dissipation has so 
injuriously affected my constitution ; but that it has 
been broken down, and nearly exhausted, by encoun- 
tering almost every excess of fatigue, difficulty, and 
danger, in the defence of the rights and liberty of 
America, from the frozen lakes of Canada to the burn- 
ing sands of Florida." 

Gen. Wayne continued with the army at the south, 
taking a part in the multiplicity of business that de- 
volved upon the officers ; such as receiving the alle- 
giance of the disaffected portion of the inhabitants in 
South and North Carolina, and Georgia — making trea- 
ties with Creeks, Cherokees, and other Indians ; and 
it was not until the month of July, 1783, that, after 
having seen the last of the Pennsylvania troops em- 
barked on board the transports, he took passage for 



Letter dated Charleston, Dec. 24th, 1782. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 163 

Philadelphia, where he arrived in a state of flattering 
convalescency — though late in the autumn he expe- 
rienced a severe relapse of fever. 

In pursuance of a resolution of Congress, Brigadier- 
General Wayne was brevetted a major-general on the 
10th of October, 1783. In 1784, he was elected by 
his native county to a seat in the General Assembly, 
in which civic capacity he served during the sessions 
of 1784 and 1785. By reference to the journals /of 
those years, as well as to his correspondence, he 
appears to have taken deep interest in every mea- 
sure of importance which was agitated in the Legisla- 
ture. To his exertions, more than to those of any 
other individual, has been attributed the early abroga- 
tion of the Pennsylvania test laws ; the continuance of 
which, after the peace of 1783, had become not only 
impolitic in relation to the public weal, but both griev- 
ous and tyrannic with respect to a large portion of 
the people of that state. 

Although the resolutions which were presented by 
him on the above-mentioned subject, were defeated, in 
the first instance, by an overwhelming majority, he 
nevertheless returned to the charge, and a decisive vic- 
tory was ultimately obtained. 

Wayne, among other interesting subjects during his 
brief continuance in the Assembly, presented a resolu- 
tion relative to inland navigation, which was the first 
movement of Pennsylvania, since the revolutionary 
war, on that interesting concern, and more comprehen- 
sive than any one which had heretofore been submitted 
to legislative consideration. 

The resolution and consequent proceedings are thus 
exhibited on the journals. 

November 7th, 1 785. — It was moved by Mr. Wayne, 
and seconded by Mr. Watts, as follows : 



164 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

" Resolved, That a committee be appointed to revise 
the law declaring the river Susquehanna, and othei 
streams therein named, public highways, and for im- 
proving the navigation of said river and streams, passed 
the 9th of March, 1771, and the supplement thereto, 
passed the 31st March, 1785, and to report a bill 
which shall have for its object the more perfect im- 
provement of the navigation of said river and streams, 
and also in concurrence with the states of Maryland 
and Delaware, the improvement of the navigation be- 
tween the waters of the Chesapeake and Delaware, by 
a canal on principles of reciprocity." And said mo- 
tion was referred to a committee consisting, of a mem- 
ber from each county. 

The committee, on the 18th November following, 
made a report, approving the plan and recommending 
the opening of a navigable communication between the 
bays of Chesapeake and Delaware ; concluding with 
a resolution authorizing "the Executive Council to 
enter into a negotiation with the states of Maryland 
and Delaware, to effect that object." 

The canal, which Wayne contemplated in his reso- 
lution, is now completed and in successful operation. 
The innumerable advantages which the Union, and of 
course the state of Pennsylvania, must derive from this 
branch of inland navigation, will recall to memory the 
name of Anthony Wayne, as being one among the num- 
ber of its earliest advocates and promoters. 

Many are the letters which Wayne received, about 
this period, from distinguished characters, asking per- 
mission to offer his name for the presidential chair of 
Pennsylvania, at the expiration of the then incumbent's 
term of office. The pressure of his domestic concerns 
not only compelled him to decline this honor, but to 
resign his seat in the Legislature. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 165 

The state of Georgia, in 1782, complimented Gen, 
Wayne with a very valuable landed estate, in conside- 
ration of his public services, as well as with the view 
of inducing him to become a citizen of that state after 
the war should terminate. 

He also possessed a valuable patrimonial property 
iu his native state ; and being under obligations of grati- 
tude to both, he resolved to spend a portion of time in 
each state. 

The estate in Georgia he could not dispose of with- 
out giving offence, and that in Pennsylvania he could 
not, from prejudices of local attachment, reconcile his 
mind to sell. 

His Waynesborough estate, in the county of Chester, 
which had been inoperative for a length of time, first 
claimed his attention, which, for the space of two years, 
was most assiduously devoted to the placing of that 
property in a state of cultivation. In the meantime 
his arrangements were making for rendering his Geor- 
gia estate productive. The latter object could not be 
effected without a very considerable sum of money— 
a sum wliich, at that period, could not be procured in 
this country. Wayne was, therefore, necessitated to 
attempt a loan in Holland. Although every precaution 
was taken to render this negotiation secure and suc- 
cessful, yet, most unhappily, his bills were all returned 
protested — a circumstance which involved him in ex- 
treme difficulties and embarrassments ; and yltimately, 
to save his patrimonial estate, he was compelled, in the 
year 1791, to sacrifice his Georgia present. 

His time was so fully engrossed by his domestic 
concerns, from the close of the revolutionary war until 
the autumn of 1791, and his personal attendance being 
so much divided between the state of Pennsylvania and 
that of Georgia, the wishes of neither could be fully 



166 LIFE OF ANTHONV WAYNE. 

gratified in affording him an evidence of its desire to 
place him in the councils of state. Indeed, it was a sub- 
ject for judicial decision in a particular case, whether 
his citizenship was in Pennsylvania or Georgia. How- 
ever, in 1787, his fellow-citizens of Pennsylvania 
availed themselves of an opportunity to elect him one 
of the members of the convention which adopted the 
constitution of the United States ; and his fellow-citi- 
zens of Georgia, in the year 1792, elected him a mem- 
ber of the United States Congress. This election was 
contested, and, after a lengthy and animated discussion, 
set aside. Immediately after which. President Wash- 
ington nominated Anthony Wayne to the Senate as 
commander-in-chief of the United States army — which 
nomination being confirmed, the high and important 
trust was accepted on the 13th of April, 1792. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 16'? 



CHAPTER IX. 

Wayne appointed by President Washington commander-in- 
chief of the army of the United States. — Aggressions of 
the Indians on the western frontier — Wayne repairs to 
Pittsburg in November, 1792, and from thence to the Ohio, 
where he opened negotiations with the Indian chiefs. — 
Failure of the negotiations. — Marches his army to the Mi- 
ami settlements.— Great battle of the 20th of Aug., 1794.-— 
Defeat of the Indians. — Wayne returns home. — His tri- 
umphant entry into Philadelphia. — Renewed aggressions 
upon the part of the Indians. — Wayne returns to the west- 
ern country. — He is attacked by the gout on Nov. 17th, 
1796, — ^His death at Presque Isle on the 15th of December 
following, etc. 

The particular object for which Wayne was ap- 
pointed to the command in chief of the army, was to 
bring to a close the war with the confederated tribes 
of Indians, which had so long raged on the north-west- 
ern frontier. The magnitude of the trust reposed, can 
only be realized by a due consideration of the circum- 
fitances existing at the time the appointment was made. 
When peace was concluded with Great Britain, a por- 
tion of their Indian auxiliaries refused to bury the 
hatchet, but continued their depredations upon the set- 
tlements bordering on the Ohio ; and there is reason 
to believe that these avowed enemies were aided by 
tribes which had entered into treaties with the United 
States — the whole stimulated by white incendiaries 
from Canada. From 1783 to 1790, it was estimated 
that fifteen hundred men, women and children, had 



168 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

been slain or taken captive by the Indians, upon the 
waters of the Ohio ; and that more than two thousand 
horses had been stolen from the inhabitants. Every 
effort by negotiations, to restore peace, having' failed, 
Brig. Gen. Harmer was ordered to advance into the 
Indian country, with a force deemed competent to 
chastise the savages, destroy their towns, and bring 
them to a more reasonable disposition. The defeat of 
that brave and meritorious officer, and the annihilation 
of his army, in the summer of 1790, carried dismay 
throughout all our western settlements, and inspired 
the Indians with additional confidence and courage. 
On the part of the general government, the necessity 
for more extensive and decisive efforts, to protect the 
frontier and wipe away the stain from the American 
arms, became manifest. A new army was raised, and 
placed under the command of Maj. Gen. Arthur St. 
Clair, who led his forces to meet and punish a fero- 
cious foe, become haughty and confident from succes- 
sive victories. Every thing was hoped from the prow- 
ess, skill, and experience of the accomplished general 
who commanded the federal army. The eyes of the 
nation were fixed upon him with the most lively so- 
licitude. The honor of the federal government, pub- 
lic confidence in its wisdom, (which faction was en 
deavoring to subvert,) the respect of foreign nations- 
all combined, with the security of the frontier, so long 
the scene of ambush, conflagration, and slaughter, to 
demand victory at his hands. The issue is known. 
On the 4th of November, 1791, Gen. St. Clair and his 
gallant army suffered a total defeat, rout, and massacre, 
near the Miami villages, by the confederate Indians, 
aided by efficient, though unavowed, white auxiliaries, 
from Canada. Upwards of sixty commissioned offi- 
cers were killed or wounded, and near one thousand 



LIFE OF ANTHOXY WAYNE. 169 

privates slain, besides the wounded who died, or were 
disabled. 

The whole country was thrown into consternation 
and mourning by the news of the defeat of St. Clair. 
A succession of disasters to the American arms, ren- 
dered the Indian war, to the last degree, unpopular ; 
and no little of the odium attached to the administra- 
tion under whose auspices it had been conducted. Not 
only were the people at large rendered averse to the 
war from its continued ill success, but those who were 
disposed to a military life looked with insuperable 
aversion upon a service, to enter which had so far 
proved neither a path to usefulness nor honor, but a 
sure avenue to the grave. To fall by the rifle, the 
tomahawk, or scalping-knife, experience had so far 
shown to be the almost certain consequences to those 
who should enter into the army ; and which neither 
bravery nor skill had thus far been able to avert. Be- 
sides the sacrifice of life, the immense sum of money 
expended in the two expeditions under Harmer and St. 
Clair, in the embarrassed state of the national treasury, 
was regarded as an evil of oppressive magnitude. Par- 
ties had already developed themselves in Congress and 
the nation, and the conduct of the Indian war furnished 
abundant ground, for the ill-disposed, on which to raise 
charges against, and excite distrust of, the wisdom of 
the administration. 

Thus situated, to sustain the honor of the govern- 
ment, to vindicate the superiority of the American 
arms, to arrest the clamor of party, to give protection 
to the frontier settlements, and, if possible, to restore a 
safe and lasting peace with the Indian nation, new 
measures were to be adopted. The highest exorcise 
of the wisdom of Washington, in the selection of a 
commander-in-chief for the army, was demanded ; for 
8 



170 Lf^E OP ANTHONY WAYNE. 

on this selection, more than on any other ever made 
since the commencement of the revolutionary war, 
every thing dear to the country depended. The fame 
of the president was itself concerned ; for another de- 
feat would scarcely have failed to involve his character 
deeply in its humiliating consequences. Bravery, and 
a general knowledge of the Science of war, were by no 
means the chief requisites demanded in the character 
that should be called to command the army. The 
soundest judgment — the most consummate prudence ; 
a capacity to comprehend all the great and various in- 
terests concerned — the cautious coolness, and guarded 
circumspection, necessary to counteract the wiles of a 
subtle enemy — a perfect knowledge of human nature 
and that control and influence over men, indispensable 
to restore and confirm confidence both in the public and 
in the army, which is the attribute of genius, and only 
given to superior minds ; withal, a strict disciplinarian, 
mingling firmness with conciliation, that should at once 
command respect and love — these, with a soul animat- 
ed by patriotism and a love of glory, impelling to no- 
ble deeds, were the requisites, if they could be found I 
in one man, which the occasion imperiously demanded. 
Among the peculiar traits that distinguished Washing- 
ton, was his knowledge of character. Having acted 
with Wayne in the most trying scenes of the revolu- 
tionary war, the best opportunity existed for a thorough 
knowledge of his fitness for the important command. 

On the 25th of May, 1792, Wayne having been fur- 
nished by the secretary at war with the instructions of 
tlie president, in which it was emphatically expressed, 
" that another defeat would be inexpressibly ruinous 
to the reputation of the government," immediately took 
leave of his family and friends, and repaired to Pitts- 
burg, the place appointed for the rendezvous of the 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 171 

troops, where he arrived early in June. By a new or- 
ganization, the army was to consist of one major-gene- 
ral, four brigadier-generals and their respective staffs, 
the commissioned officers, and 5120 non-commissioned 
officers and privates, the whole to be denominated 
" The Legion of the United States." The legion 
to be divided into four sub-legions, each to consist of 
commissioned officers named, and 1280 non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates. The previous army hav- 
ing been nearly annihilated, a new one was to be re- 
cruited. Most of the experienced officers having been 
slain in the defeats of Harmer and St. Clair, or resign- 
ed their commissions, the labors of the commanding 
general were augmented tg an extent which nothing but 
the most unwearied patience and ardent zeal could 
have performed. Many of the officers, as well as most 
of the soldiers, had yet to learn the rudiments of their 
profession. The organization of the troops, military 
tactics, discipline, <fec. &c., devolved so far upon the 
general, as to leave him scarcely time, without infinite 
labor, to keep up the correspondence incident to his 
station. His efforts were indefatigable ; and it is im- 
possible, at the present day, to form an adequate idea 
of the difficulties he had to encounter — the labors to 
perform — and the obstacles he was called to surmount. 
So panic-struck was the whole country at the repeated 
and bloody successes of the enemy, that an engagement 
with them was looked to as certain defeat. A perfect 
horror seemed to seize the recruits when marched from 
the rendezvous where they had enlisted, and their faces 
turned to join the army. In a letter to the secretary at 
war, dated Pittsburg, 20th July, 1792, Gen. Wayne 
says : — " The detachment, under Major Ashton arrived 
at this place on Monday Lieutenant; Miss Campbell's, 
with Stakes' dragoons and Captain Faulkner's riflemen, 



172 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

on Tuesday. I am, however, sorry to inform you of 
the alarming desertion that prevailed in Ashton's de- 
tachment and Stakes' dragoons. Not less than fifty of 
the former, and seven of the latter, deserted on their 
march between Carlisle and Pittsburg." Most of the 
detachments of recruits suffered in the same manner ; 
and all the wisdom of the general, by combining the 
strictest discipline with every milder means to inspire 
confidence and command obedience, was called into 
requisition. Another fact will show the degree of ter- 
ror that the name of Indians had inspired, and the ex- 
traordinary difficulties the general had to surmount to 
introduce obedience, self-confidence, and courage. A 
letter to the secretary of war,idated Pittsburg, 10th Au- 
gust, 1792, says : — " Desertions have been frequent 
and alarming — two nights since, upon a report that a 
large body of Indians were close in our front, I ordered 
the troops to form for action, and rode along the line to 
inspire them with confidence, and gave a charge to 
those in the redoubts, which I had recently thrown up 
in our front and right flank, to maintain their posts, at 
any expense of blood, until I could gain the enemy's 
rear widi the dragoons ; but such was the defect of 
the human heart, that from excess of cowardice, one- 
third of the sentries deserted from their stations, so as 
to leave the most accessible places unguarded. 

By tlie salutary measures adopted to introduce order 
and discipline, the army soon began, however, to as- 
sume its proper character. The troops were daily ex- 
ercised in all the evolutions necessary to render them 
efficient soldiers, and more especially in those manoeu- 
vres proper in a campaign against savages. Firing at 
a mark was constantly practised, and rewards given to 
the best marksmen. To inspire emulation, the rifle- 
men and inf\mtry strove to excel, and the men soon at- 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. ' 173 

tained to an accuracy that gave them confidence in 
their own prowess. On the artillery, the general im- 
pressed the importance of that arm of the service. The 
dragoons he taught to rely on the broad sword, as all 
important to victory. The riflemen were made to see 
how much success must depend on their coolness, 
quickness, and accuracy ; while the infantry were led 
to place entire confidence in the bayonet, as the certain 
and irresistible weapon before which the savages could 
not stand. The men were instructed to charge in open 
order ; each to rely on himself, and to prepare for a 
personal contest with an enemy. The confidence in- 
spired, and the rapid improvement in discipline, is fre- 
quently mentioned with pleasure, in the letters of the 
commanding general, written during the autumn ; but 
the season was too far advanced before a reasonable 
force could be collected to warrant active operations. 

Gen. Wayne had not permitted the summer to pass 
without adopting proper measures to ascertain the 
strength and disposition of the hostile Indians. EflTorts 
were made to impress on their minds the earnest de- 
sire of the American government to make peace on 
terms that should be mutually just and honorable, and 
yet to leave no doubt that, if war was preferred by them, 
they would have to contend with a different force from 
that which they had previously encountered. Among 
the measures adopted by the government to obtain peace 
by pacific means, was that of sending Col. Harding 
and Maj. Trueman, brave officers and valuable men, 
with flags of truce to. the Indians ; but they were both 
wantonly murdered. 

In the meantime, the Indians continued their depre- 
dations upon the frontier, except in the immediate 
neighborhood of posts occupied by detachments of 
troops ; many valuable lives were lost. The Indians, 
15* 



174 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

vaunting in their superiority, sent repeated messages 
of their desire to see the legion advance to their coun- 
try ; and claiming victory as if it were bound, by un- 
alterable fate, to their standard. 

A suitable position having been selected by Wayne 
to pass the winter, the army left Pittsburg on the 28th 
of November, and took up a position on the Ohio, 
twenty-two miles below that place, and seven above the 
mouth of the Big Beaver, to which he gave the name 
of Legionville. Here the troops were hutted, the gene- 
ral remaining in his marquee, and the officers in tents, 
until the soldiers were comfortably accommodated. 
The camp was fortified, and every possible preparation 
for defence adopted ; for at that period the post select- 
ed was not considered beyond striking distance of a 
formidable force of the enemy. 

Anxious to conciliate the Six Nations of Indians, 
who, though professing to be friendly, were uneasy and 
resdess, AVayne sent an invitation to Cornplanter and 
New Arrow, two distinguished chiefs of their tribes, to 
visit him at Legionville, at which place they arrived, 
accompanied by Big Tree and old Guasutha, in March, 
1793. Friendly disposed as they were, a toast given 
by Cornplanter, at the general's table, will show their 
sentiments of the terms on which they thought peace 
ought to be made between the American government 
and the Indians. " My mind, and heart are upon that 
river," said Cornplanter, pointing to the Ohio ; " may 
that water ever continue to run and remain the boun- 
dary of lasting peace between the Americans and In- 
dians on its opposite shores." If such was the boun- 
dary line fixed upon by friendly Indians, it may safely 
be inferred that the demand of the hostile and victorious 
tribes were not less unreasonable. In truth, no doubt 
sustained by British policy, the Ohio was the division 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 175 

boundary insisted upon. The United States must re- 
linquish all claim north and west of that river, although 
repeated treaties, and fair purchase, had confirmed to 
them considerable portions of Indian titles, which had 
been pledged by the government to officers and soldiers 
of the revolution, or continue the war. This point is 
proper to be distinctly known, as it shows that the ad- 
vance of Wayne into the Indian country, was not a 
measure of aggression, but of indispensable necessity 
to sustain unquestionable rights, as well as to curb the 
ferocity of ihe savages. 

In a letter to the secretary of war, dated " Legion- 
ville, 30th March, 1793," the general says :— " The 
progress that the troops have made, both in manoeu- 
vring and as marksmen, astonished the savages on St, 
Patrick's day ; and I am happy to inform you that the 
sons of that Saint were perfectly sober and orderly, be- 
ing out of the reach of whisky, which baneful poison 
is prohibited from entering this camp, except the com- 
ponent part of the ration, or a little for fatigue duty, or 
on some extraordinary occasion." The information 
contained in this extract is regarded as reflecting great 
credit on Wayne. The highly improved discipline of 
the legion now gave their general full confidence in 
them. Speaking of a meeting proposed by the govern- 
ment to be held to form a treaty with the Indians, in 
whose determination for war he was yet fully satisfied, 
the general playfully expresses a wish to be present, 
" with 2500 of his commissioners in company, with 
not a single Quaker among them," (meaning not one 
having conscientious scruples of bearing arms,) in 
which case he feels confident an honorable peace 
would be the result. Soliciting the secretary " to for- 
ward certain legionary distinctive decorations ; also, a 
legionary standard, and sub-legionary and battalion co- 



176 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

lours," — he says emphatically, " they shall not be 

LOST." 

The winter was not productive of any striking events. 
Early in April, Wayne announced his readiness to 
descend the river, having a respectable body of well 
disciplined troops, in whom he expressed perfect con- 
fidence. The ruinous disasters of previous campaigns 
afford abundant reason for the tardiness of enlistments. 
Though Washington was at the head of the govern- 
ment, and Wayne at the head of the army, the over- 
whehning defeats of Harmer and St. Clair, still threw 
a damp upon the ardor of those who, under more pro- 
pitious circumstances, would have cheerfully rallied 
under the standard of the hero of Stony Point. Boats 
being in readiness, Wayne, with the Federal army, de- 
parted from Legionville on the 30lh of April, 1793. 

While descending to the place of their destination, 
we may take occasion to make a remark upon the 
spirit of the army. Among the soldiers, discipline, and 
their uncommon accuracy in firing at a mark, had in- 
spired confidence in themselves, as it was unbounded 
in their commander ; but among a portion of the offi- 
cers the seeds of disorganization were deeply sown. 
By the French revolution, the opinions of men through- 
out the civilized world, had become extremely unset- 
tled. The principles of liberty and equality, so cor- 
rect in the abstract, seem totally incompatible with the 
subordination and obedience requisite to the discipline 
of an army. Throughout the United States, the minds 
of men were excited to such a degree, that reason was 
loosened from her empire ; and it required all the wis- 
dom, character, and firmness of Washington, to save 
the country from being involved in a foreign war, and 
to preserve the government from being overthrown by 
faction at home. Gen. Wayne frequently co-mplained 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 177 

of the baleful leaven being infused into the army, and 
the difficulties consequently experienced by hira. Cer- 
tain officers, tinctured with the prevailing mania, vi'ere 
litde disposed to yield that entire obedience which was 
deemed essential to the safety of the army. Several 
tendered their commissions ; the mind of the general 
was made up not to meet the enemy with officers on 
whom he could not repose confidence ; and the com- 
missions were, somewhat unexpectedly, promptly ac- 
cepted. The utmost firmness and prudence were ne- 
cessary to save the legion from being disturbed by these 
feuds which entered into every other circle ; but the 
wisdom displayed, produced the desired results ; the 
army, in all its grades, yielded to that strict discipline 
which was indispensable to victory. 

The immediate destination of the troops was Fort 
Washington, then near the village, now the city, of Cin- 
cinnati. Nearly due north from that point, distant 
eighty miles, is situated Fort Jefferson, which is twenty- 
nine miles from the battle ground where St. Clair was 
defeated. In six days the army arrived at Fort Wash- 
ington, but Wayne preferred a position a mile below, 
for reasons stated in a letter to the secretary of war, 
dated Hobson's Choice, (the name given to his new 
camp,) 9th May, 1793. " We are now encamped a 
mile below Fort Washington, on the margin of the river, 
with a wide swamp in our front, and the Ohio in our 
rear ; there is no good ground for manoeuvres or en- 
campment in the neighborhood of Fort Washington ; 
add to this, that the village of Cincinnati is directly 
upon our right flank, filled with ardent poison^ and cai- 
tiflf wretches to dispose of it." Impatient to be en- 
gaged in useful service, the general proceeds : — "I now 
anxiously await the arrival of Major Hughes, with the 
old garrisons of forts Franklin and Cassawauga ; by 



178 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

the aid of those, I hope to receive permission to take 
such position or positions as will enable me to make 
the necessary arrangements for effectual operations, 
which, with all our industry, will be a work of time, 
fatigue, and difficulty." Of his soldiers, he says :^ 
" It is an old observation, and it is a very just one, that 
it requires three years for a soldier to learn to live upon 
his ration, and to take proper care of his arms and 
clothing. I am happy, however, to have it in my 
power to declare, that both officers and soldiers have 
acquired a greater degree of military knowledge in the 
course of a few months, than I ever saw acquired in 
twice that time by any soldiers during the late war. 
How they will behave in action, is yet to be determin- 
ed — a very great proportion of them are certainly good 
marksmen, and they perform the different evolutions 
with a velocity and precision seldom excelled." But 
the solicitude of the general and troops for orders to 
advance, was not gratified. The American govern- 
ment was extremely desirous of peace, and Gen. Knox, 
secretary of war, in a letter to Gen. Wayne, dated 
January 5, 1793, says : — " The sentiments of the citi- 
zens of the United States, are adverse, in the extreme^ 
to an Indian war." Intimation having been given by 
the Indians of a disposition to treat, a commission, in 
the highest degree respectable, was appointed to meet 
them, consisting of Gen. Lincoln, Col. Pickering, and 
Beverly Randolph, Esq., of Virginia. While the ne- 
gotiations were pending, the secretary of war, in a let- 
ter to Wayne, thus expresses himself: — "It will here- 
after be still more and more necessary, even than the 
past summer, that no offensive operations be under- 
taken against the Indians." Col. Hull, of Massachu- 
setts, was despatched early in the season to Niagara, 
to purchase provisions, and to make the necessary ar- 



LtPE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 179 

rangements for holding the treaty. The commission" 
ers, agreeably to their instructions, repaired to the place 
appointed to meet the Indians. On the 20th of April, 
1793, the secretary of war writes to Gen. Wayne •— 
" The president has directed me to communicate to you 
the following general ideas : 

" That all possible caution and vigilance, agreeably 
to my letter of the 13th, be observed, to prevent the 
irruption of any parties of whites towards the Indian 
country during the continuance of the treaty, and until 
further permission from you. 

" That the commissioners are instructed to use 
every exertion to bring the treaty to a close, on or be- 
fore the first of August next, so that, in case of an un- 
successful issue, you may have time to carry on your 
operations. 

" That in case of a successful treaty, the commission- 
ers will inform you directly thereof — but that in case 
of an unsuccessful issue, they are directed to send you 
a letter, with many copies thereof, signed by them- 
selves, of the following form : 

" We were at Sandusky days. Although we 

did not effect a peace, yet we hope that good may 
hereafter arise from the mission." 

Autograph signatures of the respective commission- 
ers were also sent, to prevent imposition. 

Thus restrained from active operations, Wayne de- 
voted himself to perfecting the preparations necessary, 
if the negotiations should not, as he was fully persua- 
ded they would not, eventuate in peace. The troops 
were manceuvred and disciplined. Arrangements were 
adopted for bringing into service an auxiliary aid of 
mounted volunteers from Kentucky. Vigorous exer- 
tions were made to insure a full supply of provisions, 
especially at the head of the line ; for the command- 



ISO LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

ing general was fully impressed with the importance 
of placing the army not only beyond the reach, but be- 
yond the apprehension of want. It is scarcely pos- 
sible to conceive the difficulties encountered in effect- 
ing this indispensable object. So inadequate were the 
contractors' supplies to accomplish the wishes of the 
commander-in-chief, that additional and effectual means 
were promptly adopted to effect the purpose. In truth, 
from the moment of his taking the command, from the 
want of experienced officers in several departments, it 
became necessary for him to attend to them much in 
detail. By the organization of the legion he was en- 
titled to the aid of four brigadier-generals ; whereas he 
had but one during the greater period of his campaigns, 
and at no time more than two, one of whom was his 
gallant and distinguished friend Gen. Thomas Posey. 
His vigilant eye, however, let nothing pass without the 
closest inspection ; and his untiring industry and de- 
votion were repaid by the order and perfection intro- 
duced into every department of the army. An exten- 
sive correspondence devolved upon the general, which 
was kept up with scrupulous regularity ; and the let- 
ters written in the hurry of business and in the bustle 
of a camp, when exposed to the most critical inspec- 
tion, display extraordinary clearness of mind and fe- 
licity of expression, strength and soundness of judg 
ment, and admirable knowledge of the duties of his 
profession, of human nature, of the people of the fron- 
tiers whom he was to defend, and of the foes he was 
commissioned to subdue. In the extraordinary situa 
tion of the world, the conduct of France, Great Bri- 
tain, and Spain, frequently influencing events in which 
the army were concerned, called for his animadver- 
sions, and they will uniformly be found to be those of 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. l8l 

a statesman of enlarged, liberal, and correct views, 
breathing throughout the purest patriotism. 

As had been foreseen by Wayne, the negotiations 
failed of their object; the Indians haughtily and pe- 
remptorily insisting upon the Ohio to be established as 
the boundary, on which terms alone they would con- 
descend to grant peace to the United States. But one 
course was left. In a letter from Gen. Knox, secre- 
tary of war, dated Sept. 3, 1793, he says : — " The In- 
dians have refused to treat. The enclosed has just 
been received from the commissioners." The secretary 
proceeds to say : " You are now to judge whether your 
force will be adequate to make these audacious savages 
feel our superiority in arms. Every offer has been 
made to obtain peace by milder terms than the sword ; 
the efforts have failed, under circumstances which leave 
nothing for us to expect but war. Let it therefore be 
again, and for the last time, impressed deeply on your 
mind, that as little as possible is to be hazarded ; that 
your force be fully adequate to the object you purpose 
to effect ; and that a defeat at the present time, and 
under present circumstances, would be pernicious in 
the highest degree to the interests of our country. 

" Your arrangements having been prepared for this 
event, if no unforeseen circumstances should occur to 
prevent your proceeding, nothing further remains but 
to commit you, and the troops employed under you, to 
the protection of the Supreme Being — hoping you and 
they will have all possible success in the measures 
you may be about to take, to prevent the murder of 
helpless women and children." 

Gen. Wayne had previously been informed of the rup- 
ture of the negotiations, and had taken the most prompt 
measures to advance into the Indian country. Con- 
formably to full authority reposed in him, he called for 



182 LIFE OP ANTHONY WAYNE. 

one thousand mounted men from Kentucky ; and in a 
letter dated Head Quarters, Hobson's Choice, near Fort 
Washington, 5th October, 1793, to the secretary of war, 
he says : — " I will advance to-morrow, with the force 
I have, in order to take up a position about six miles 
in front of Fort Jefferson, so as to keep the enemy in 
check, by exciting a jealousy and apprehension for the 
safety of their women and children, until some favor- 
able circumstance or opportunity may present, to strike 
with effect. 

' I pray you not to permit present appearances to 
/cause too much anxiety either in the mind of the Pre- 
sident or yourself, on account of this army. Knowing 
the critical situation of our infant nation, and feeling 
for the honor and reputation of government, (which I 
will support with my latest breath,) you may rest as- 
sured that I will not commit the legion unnecessarily ; 
and unless more powerfully supported than I have 
reason to expect, I will content myself by taking a 
strong position in advance of Fort Jefferson, and, by 
exerting every power, endeavor to protect the frontier, 
and to secure the posts and army during the winter, or 
until I am favored with your further orders." 

In the autumn, while at Hobson's Choice, the troops 
had not only been visited by fevers usual to the season, 
but the influenza passed through the camp, affecting 
almost every man, (some severely,) although there 
were from that disease but few deaths. The small-pox 
also made its appearance, and tended, in some degree, 
to diminish his strength. Although the legion, when 
complete, should have contained 5,120 men, the actual 
effective force that marched into the wilderness, did 
not exceed half that number. 

On the 7th October, the army marched from Hob- 
son's Choice, and, on the 13th, took up a position six 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 183 

miles in advance of Fort Jefferson, and eighty from Fort 
Washington, on the south-west branch of the Miami. 
A council of officers being called, it was resolved to 
fortify the post in the most perfect manner, rendering 
it impregnable to savage force. Wayne gave it the 
name of Greeneville, as a mark of respect to his revo- 
lutionary friend and companion in arms, the deceased 
Maj. Gen. Greene.* In a letter to the secretary of 
war, dated from this camp, 23d October, 1793, the 
general gives an account of an attack on the 17th, upon 
one of his convoys of provisions, under Lieutenant 
Lowrey and Ensign Boyd, consisting of ninety men. 
" These two gallant young gentlemen, who promised, 
at a future day, to be ornaments to their profession, to- 
gether with thirteen men, non-commissioned officers 
and privates, bravely fell, after an obstinate resistance 
against superior numbers, being abandoned by the 
greater part of the escort upon the first discharge." 
Such were the terrors the Indians had inspired. In the 
meantime Gen. Scott, with a party of mounted men, 
arrived ; but the season was too far advanced, and the 
force assembled too inadequate to enter upon decisive 
active operations ; from which prudence effectually dis- 
suaded, and they were permitted to return home. 

In a letter of Wayne, dated December 4th, he re- 
marks : — " It is now turned of three months since I have 
been honored with a single line, or any commands from 
you ;" which circumstance, probably, as clearly as any 
other, will show how far into the wilderness, and be- 
yond the line of ordinary communication, the army 
was then advanced. On the 23d December, Wayne 
despatched Maj. Burbeck, with eight companies of foot 
and a detachment of artillery, with orders to possess 



• Gen. Greene died June 19th, 1786. 



184 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

the field of action of the 4th November, 1791, and 
there to fortify. To this post was given the name of 
Fort Recovery. 

For the purpose of encouraging the troops who were 
ordered on this service, as well as for that of superin- 
tending the contemplated works, Wayne personally ad- 
vanced to the same point, with a small reinforcement 
of mounted infantry, accompanied by the officers men- 
tioned in the following extract from general orders, 
which gives a brief account of the proceedings on the 
above mentioned interesting subject: 

" The commander-in-chief returns his most grateful 
thanks to Major Henry Burbeck, and to every officer, 
non-commissioned officer, and private, belonging to the 
detachment under his command, for their soldierly and 
exemplary good conduct during their late arduous tour 
of duty, and the cheerfulness with which they sur- 
mounted every difficulty at this inclement season, 
in repossessing General St. Clair's fi.eld of battle, and 
erecting thereon Fort Recovery — a work impregnable 
by savage force ; as also, for piously and carefully col- 
lecting and interring the bones, and paying the last re- 
spect and military honors to the remains of the heroes 
who fell on the 4th of November, 1791, by three 
times three discharges, from the same artillery that was 
lost on that fatal day, but now recovered by this de- 
tachment of the legion. - 

" The commander-in-chief also requests Major Mills, 
Captains De Butts and Buder, Lieutenant Harrison, 
and Dr. Scott, to accept of his best thanks for their 
voluntary aid and services upon this occasion." 

More anxious to produce delay, and perhaps, by 
their flags, to reconnoiter his position with safety, than 
sincerely desirous of peace, the Indians, immediately 
after the erection of Fort Recovery, sent a pacific mes 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. I8i? 

sage to Wayne, and proposed that negotiations for a 
ti-eaty should be opened, for the adjustment of all dif- 
ficulties that existed. Being fully empowered by his 
government upon the subject, and knowing the earnest 
desire of the administration and people, that the con- 
test should be brought to a close, Wayne, although he 
had no faith in their honesty of purpose, but regarded 
the proposal as a stratagem to further their hostile de- 
signs, did not feel himself warranted to decline the 
overture. Determined, however, not to be the victim 
of their wiles, he met their advance with declarations 
of satisfaction ; professed his entire readiness to make 
peace on terms that should be mutually just ; and only 
required, on their part, the release of the captives in 
their possession, as a proof of their sincerity. The 
flag departed, being allowed thirty days to return with 
the final answer of their chiefs. At this period. Big 
Tree, a Seneca warrior of eminence, who was with 
the army, having attached himself to the American 
cause, committed suicide at Fort Greeneville. " I have 
lost," said he, " a very dear friend — the friend of my 
heart — General Richard Butler." He had sworn to 
sacrifice three enemies to the manes of his departed 
friend. Exasperated at the thought of peace, he put an 
end to his existence. 

Upon the approach of spring, affairs assumed an 
aspect in the highest degree interesting, and called for 
the full exercise of the vigilance and wisdom of the 
commander of the army. Officially notified of a com- 
bination of persons on the Ohio, with a design to in- 
vade the territories of Spain, to his discretion was com- 
mitted the authority to arrest the persons concerned, 
and to prevent its accomplishment. Prompt measures 
were taken to garrison Fort Massac, thirty-eight miles 
above the mouth of the Ohio. Having learned that 



186 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

Gayaso, the Spanish governor of Louisiana, had 
crossed the Mississippi, invaded the United States' 
territory, and fortified a position at the Chickasaw 
Bluffs, Wayne forthwith despatched a messenger, with 
a letter, demanding to know by what authority the 
governor had taken a step so hostile and extraordinary. 
The conduct and letter of Wayne received from the 
government expressions of entire approbation. The 
spoliations upon American commerce, and the gene* 
rally hostile spirit of the measures of Great Britain, 
gave strong reasons to fear a war with that nation. The 
speech of Lord Dorchester to the Indians, the refusal 
to deliver up the posts, and other unequivocal indica- 
tions, left no room to doubt but the Indians were stimu- 
lated to hostilities by the British authorities in Canada ; 
and a British garrison having been advanced, and fortifi- 
ed itself within the territory of the United States, at the 
rapids of the Miami, rendered it probable that the 
savages would be sustained, in case of a battle, by 
veteran battalions of their white allies. 

Thus surrounded with difficulties and dangers, placed 
in circumstances delicate as they were new and embar- 
rassing, Wayne rose in proportion to the pressure, and 
showed that his abilities were equal to the emergency. 
To sustain and cheer him at this trying moment, a 
communication from the secretary cf war, under date 
of the 31st March, brought him the explicit approba- 
tion of the President. Speaking of his " taking post 
at the battle field of the 4th of November, 1791," and 
" the manner in which he treated the overtures of the 
hostile Indians," — of the first, it was declared to be 
'''•highly satisfactory " — the last, " exceeding proper ;" 
and the secretary proceeds to say : — " It is with great 
pleasure, sir, that I transmit to you the approbation of 
the President of the United States, of your conduct 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 187 

generally^ since you have had the command, and more 
particularly for the judicious and military formation and 
discipline of the troops ; the precautions you appear to 
have taken in your advance, in your fortified camp, 
and in your arrangement to have full and abundant sup- 
plies of provisions on hand. Continue, sir, to proceed 
in this manner, and your success will be certain." 

In a subsequent letter, Wayne is authorized, should 
he deem it proper, to take the British fort on the rapids 
of the Miami. " If, therefore," said Secretary Knox, 
" in the course of your operations against the Indian 
enemy, it should become necessary to dislodge the 
party at the rapids of the Miami, you are hereby au- 
thorized, in the name of the President of the United 
States, to do it." To the discretion of Wayne was, 
therefore, confided, not only the sole conduct of the In- 
dian war, but the authority to take a step which must 
certainly have involved the nation in war with Great 
Britain. How far these high discretionary powers 
were wisely reposed, let the issue determine. 

In consequence of authority vested in him, the In- 
dians having failed to enter into negotiations for peace, 
and the time for active operations having come, Wayne 
had called upon the governor of Kentucky for 2000 
mounted volunteers. 

On the morning of the 30th of June, an escort, con- 
sisting of ninety riflemen and fifty dragoons, command- 
ed by Maj. M'Mahon, was attacked by a numerous 
body of Indians, under the walls of Fort Recovery, fol- 
lowed by a general assault upon that fort. The ene- 
my, driven back by a deadly fire, renewed the attack 
with great spirit, but were finally repulsed, with heavy 
loss. During the night, the savages were employed in 
carrying off their dead and wounded, but several were 
found the next morning, close under the guns of the 



188 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

fort. Circumstances existed, amounting nearly to posi 
tive proof, to show that the Indians were aided by a 
considerable auxiliary British force. The loss of the 
^' enemy could not be ascertained; but as their number 
was upwards of 1500, and for some time exposed to 
the cannon of the fort, as well as rifles and musketry, 
it must have been considerable. The American loss 
was twenty-five killed and forty wounded. Among 
those gallant officers who fell, " were Major M'Mahon, 
Captain Hartshorne, and Lieutenant Craig, of the rifle 
corps, and Cornet Torney, of the cavalry ; among the 
wounded, the intrepid Captain Taylor, of the dragoons 
and Lieutenant Drake, of the infantry." Wayne ex- 
pressed himself in high terms of praise of the bravery 
and good conduct displayed by both officers and men ; 
acknowledging particular obligation to Captain Alex- 
der Gibson, who commanded the fort. Thus, on the 
very ground which was the scene of their proudest 
victory, the Indians were taught, under the auspices of 
a new commander, to know the superiority of the 
American arms. 

It was past the middle of July before the mounted 
volunteers from Kentucky, under Maj. Gen. Scott, ar- 
rived at Greeneville. Every preparation which pru- 
dence could devise and skill execute, having now been 
completed, and the anxiously looked for aid having join- 
ed the army, Wayne moved with his main force, and on 
the 8th of August took up a position about seventy 
miles in advance of Greeneville, at Grand Glaize, in the 
very heart of the Indian settlements. So unexpected 
and rapid was the movement upon this point, that, but 
for the treachery and desertion of a soldier, the enemy 
must have saflered a complete surprise. Wayne hav- 
ing made such demonstrations as led the Indians to be- 
lieve the villages on the Miami, forty-eight miles W. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 189 

S. W. of Grand Glaize, would be the object of attack, 
entering at once the part of their settlements lying un- 
der the protection of the garrison of a British fort, was 
a step equally bold and prudent. "Thus, sir," says 
Wayne, in his letter of August 14th, to Gen. Knox, 
" we have gained possession of the grand emporium of 
the hostile Indians in the west, without loss of blood. 
The very extensive and highly cultivated fields and 
gardens, show the work of many hands. The margins 
of those beautiful rivers, the Miamis of the Lake and I 
An Glaize, appear like one continued village for a num- i 
ber of miles above and below this place ; nor have I i 
ever before beheld such immense fields of corn in any/ 
part of America, from Canada to Florida." 

Himself a scientific and practical engineer, Wayne 
immediately erected a strong fortification at the con- 
fluence of the Au Glaize and the Miami, to which he 
gave the name of Fort Defiance. Though now pre- 
pared to strike a decisive blow, yet always actuated by 
principles of humanity, the commander of the army, 
generous as brave, averted the stroke, to make one more 
and last effort ro restore tranquillity without the further 
effusion of blood. "I have thought proper," he said, 
" to offer the enemy a last overture of peace ; and as 
they have every thing that is dear and interesting at 
stake, I have reason to expect they will listen to the 
proposition mentioned in the enclosed copy of an ad- 
dress, despatched yesterday by a special flag, under 
circumstances that will insure his safe return, and 
which may eventually spare the effusion of much hu- 
man blood. But," he adds, " should war be their 
choice, that blood be upon their own heads. America 
shall no longer be insulted with impunity. To an all- 
powerful and just God, I therefore commit myself and 
gallant army." 



190 



LIFE OF ANTHOJs'Y WAYXE. 



Stimulated by tlieir British allies, confidently relying 
on their fortunes, their prowess, and their friends, they 
resolved to abide the issue of an engagement, and re- 
jected the proposed offer. 

That engagement almost immediately followed ; and 
as no pen can describe it so correctly as the command- 
ing general himself, we copy his letter to the secretary 
of war entire. 

" Head Quarters, ? 
" Grand Glaize, 28th August, 1794. S 
/ " Sir — ^It is with infinite pleasure that I now an- 
/ nounce to you the brilliant success of the Federal army 
/ under my command, in a general action with the com- 
\ bined force of the hostile Indians, and a considerable 
j number of the volunteers and militia of Detroit, on the 
I 20th instant, on the banks of the Miamis, in the vici- 
\ nity of the British post and garrison, at the foot of the 
\ rapids. 

\ " The army advanced from this place on the 1 5th 
instant, and arrived at Roche de Bout on the 18th ; the 
19th we were employed in making a temporary post 
for the reception of our stores and baggage, and in re- 
connoitering the position of the enemy, who were en- 
camped behind a thick bushy wood and the British fort. 
" At 8 o'clock, on the morning of the 20th, the army 
again advanced in columns, agreeably to the standing 
order of march ; the legion on the right flank, covered 
by the Miamis, — one brigade of mounted volunteers on 
the left, under Brigadier-General Todd, and the other 
in the rear, under Brigadier-General Barbee : — a select 
battalion of mounted volunteers moved in front of the 
legion, commanded by Major Price, who was directed 
to keep sufficiently advanced — so as to give timely no- 
tice for the troops to form, in case of action — it being 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 191 

yot undetermined whether the Indians would decide 
for peace or war. After advancing about five miles. 
Major Price's corps received so severe a fire from the 
enemy, who were secreted in the woods, and high 
grass, as to compel them to retreat. 

" The legion was immediately formed in two lines, 
principally in a close, thick wood, which extended for 
miles on our left ; and for a very considerable distance 
in front, the ground being covered with old fallen tim- 
ber, probably occasioned by a tornado, which rendered 
it impracticable for the cavalry to act with effect ; and 
afforded the enemy the most favorable covert for their 
savage mode of warfare : they were formed in three 
lines, within supporting distance of each other, and ex- 
tending near two miles, at right angles with the river. 

" I soon discovered, from the weight of the fire, and 
extent of their lines, that the enemy were in full force 
in front, in possession of their favorite ground, and en- 
deavoring to turn our left flank. I therefore gave or- 
ders for the second line to advance, to support the first, 
and directed Major-General Scott to gain and turn the 
right flank of the savages, with the whole of the mount- 
ed volunteers, by a circuitous route : at the same time 
I ordered the front line to advance with trailed arms, 
and rouse the Indians from their coverts, at the point 
of the bayonet ; and, when up, to deliver a close and 
well directed fire on their backs, followed by a brisk 
charge, so as not to give time to load again. I also or- 
dered Captain Miss Campbell, who commanded the 
legionary cavalry, to turn the left flank of the enemy 
next the river, and which afforded a favorable field for 
that corps to act in. 

" All those orders were obeyed with spirit and 
promptitude ; but such was the impetuosity of the 
charge by the first line of infantry, that the Indians and 



192 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

I Canadian militia and volunteers were driven from all 
their coverts in so short a time, that although every ex- 
ertion was used by the officers of the second line of 
the legion, and by Generals Scott, Todd, and B^rbee, 
of the mounted volunteers, to gain their propei posi- 
tions, yet but a part of each could get up in season to 
participate in the action ; the enemy being driven, in 
the course of one hour, more than two miles, through 
the thick woods already mentioned, by less than one- 
half their numbers. 

"From every account, the enemy amounted to 2000 
combatants ; the troops actually engaged against them, 
were short of 900. This horde of savages, with their 
allies, abandoned themselves to flight, and dispersed 
with terror and dismay ; leaving our victorious army 
in full and quiet possession of the fioM of battle, which 
terminated under the influence of the guns of the British 
garrison, as you will observe by the enclosed corres- 
pondence between Major Campbell, the commandant, 
and myself, upon the occasion. 

" The bravery and conduct of every officer belong- 
ing to the army, from the generals down to the ensigns, 
merit my highest approbation. There were, however, 
some whose rank and situation placed their conduct in 
a very conspicuous point of view, and which I ob- 
served with pleasure and the most lively gratitude : 
among whom I must beg leave to mention Brigadier- 
General Wilkinson and Colonel Hamtramck, the com- 
mandants of the right and left wings of the legion, 
whose brave example inspired the troops ; to these, I 
must add the names of my faithful and gallant aids-de- 
camp, Captains De Butts and T. Lewis, and Lieute- 
nant Harrison, who, with the Adjutant-General, Major 
Mills, rendered the most essential service by commu- 
nicating my orders in every direction, and by their con- 



-»-* 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 195 

duct and bravery exciting the troops to press for vic- 
tory. Lieutenant Covington, upon whom the com- 
mand of the cavalry now devolved, cut down two sa- 
vages with his own hand, and Lieutenant Webb one, 
in turning the enemy's left ^ank. 

" The wounds received l)y Captains Slough and 
Prior, and Lieutenants Campbell, Smith, (an extra aid- 
de-camp to General Wilkinson,) of the legionary in- 
fantry, and Captain Van Rensellaer, of the dragoons, 
and Captain Rawlins, Lieutenant M'Kenney, and En- 
sign Duncan, of the mounted volunteers, bear honora- 
ble testimony of their bravery and conduct. 

" Captains H. Lewis and Brock, with their comp? 
nies of light infantry, had to sustain an unequal fire for 
some time, which they supported with fortitude. In 
fact, every officer and soldier who had an opportunity 
to come into action, displayed tha)t true bravery which 
will always insure success., 

" And here permit me to declare, that I never dis- 
covered more true spirit and anxiety for action, than 
appeared to pervade the whole of the mounted volun- 
teers ; and I am well persuaded that had the enemy 
maintained their favorite ground but for one half hour 
longer, they would have most severely felt the prowess 
of that corps. 

"But whilst I pay this just tribute to the living, I 
must not forget the gallant dead ; among whom we 
have to lament the early death of those worthy and 
brave oflicers. Captain Miss Campbell, of the dragoons, 
and Lieutenant Towles, of the light infantry of the le- 
gion, who fell in the first charge. 

" Enclosed is a particular return of the killed and 

wounded. The loss of the enemy was more than 

double that of the Federal army. The woods were 

sirewed, for a considerable distance, with the dead 

17 



196 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

bodies of Indians and their white auxiliaries ; the lat- 
ter armed with British musEets and bayonets. 

" We remained three days and nights on the Winks 
of the Miamis, in front of the field of battle ; during 
which time all the houses and corn-fields were con- 
sumed and destroyed for a considerable distance, both 
above and below Fort Miamis, as well as within pistol- 
shot of that garrison, who were compelled to remain 
tacit spectators of this general devastation and conflar 
gration ; among which were the houses, stores, and 
property of Colonel M'Kee, the British Indian agent, 
and principal stimulator of the war now existing be- 
tween the United States and the savages. 

" The army returned to this place on the 27th, by 
easy marches, laying waste the villages and corn-fields 
for about fifty miles on each side of the Miamis. 
There remains yet a number of villages, and a great 
quantity of corn, to be consumed or destroyed upon 
Au Glaize and the Miamis, above this place, which will 
be effected in the course of a few days. In the interim, 
we shall improve Fort Defiance, and as soon as the 
escort returns with the necessary supplies from Greene- 
ville and Fort Recovery, the army will proceed to the 
Miami villages, in order to accomplish the object of 
the campaign. 

" It is, however, not improbable that the enemy may 
make (Mie more desperate effort against the army, as 
it is said that a reinforcement was hourly expected 
at Fort Miamis, from Niagara, as well as numerous 
tribes of Indians living on the margins and islands of 
the lakes. This is a business rather to be wished for 
than dreaded, whilst the army remains in force. Their 
numbers will only tend to confuse the savages, and the 
victory will be the more complete and decisive, and 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 197 

which may eventually insure a permanent and happy 
peace. 

" Under these impressions, I have the honor to be 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 

"Anthony Wayne. 

"7%e Hon. Major General Knox, 
" Secretary of War.^^ 

" N. B. I had forgot to mention that J met my flag 
on the 16th, who was returning with an' evasive answer, 
in order to gain time for the arrival of the reinforce- 
ment mentioned by the Shawanee Indians, which ac- 
tually did arrive two days before the action." 

In this decisive action, the whole loss of Wayne's 
army, in killed and wounded, amounted only to one 
hundred and seven men. The loss of the enemy was 
more than double that number. 

A spirited correspondence took place between Wayne 
and Col. Campbell, who commanded the British fort. 
The position was carefully reconnoitered within pistol- 
shot distance, not, perhaps, without a latent wish that 
such provocation should be given as would justify to 
the whole world its capture. But the victory of the 
20th had satisfied the commander that the most pru- 
dent forbearance would alone insure his safety; and 
that cool and deliberate policy of the American gene- 
ral, which invariably guided his conduct, induced him 
on the occasion to repress the ardor of his men, and, 
indeed, to subdue his own feelings. He therefore con- 
tented himself with destroying the savage's property, 
under the very guns of the fort, so as to show them 
that they could repose no confidence in the protecting 
power of the British flag. 

After effectually strengthening Fort Defiance, the 
army took up its line of march on the 14th Septem- 



198 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

ber, and, on the 17th, arrived at the Miami villages ; 
from whence, having fully accomplished the object of 
his expedition, the general returned to winter quarters 
at Grfegneville. 

,, The victory of the 20th of August, so glorious to 
^le American arms, and the subsequent movement of 
file army, produced the most decisive effects. The lofty 
/spirit of the Indian warriors was subdued. They were 
I taught that no just reliance could be placed on British 
j protection ; and the superior power of the American 
■; nation was made so manifest, that the chiefs and war- 
\yiors came forward and sued for peace. 

Preliminary articles were entered into on the 1st of 
January, 1795, and hostages were left with Gen. 
Wayne, for the safe delivery of prisoners in posses- 
sion of the Indians. Nor was it on the north-western 
frontier alone that the victory produced important re- 
sults. The voice of faction, which had risen to such 
a height as to imbitter the life of Washington, was for 
a season hushed. The general administration felt it- 
self strengthened by the redeeming influence of suc- 
cess, wiping away the stain that repeated defeat had 
thrown on the American arms. The flame of war 
which was kindling both among the Six Nations and 
the southern tribes bordering on Georgia, was extin- 
guished ; while the near prospect of a happy termina- 
tion of all the difficulties in the north-west, stimulated 
the lukewarm and increased the zeal of the active 
/riends of government. The news rapidly crossed the 
^tlantic, and proved most effectual aid to Mr. Jay, in 
/bringing the negotiation with the British government, 
[ with which he was charged, to a fortunate conclusion. 
On , the 20th of August, the victory was gained ; and 
on the 19th of November, ninety days, (just time for 
I the information to reach London and produce its full 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 199 

impression,) the treaty was signed by Mr. Jay and j 
Lord Grenville. Thus the fruits were as happy as / 
the achievement was glorious. 

A commission was forthwith issued by the Presi- 
dent, appointing Gen. Wayne sole commissioner, with 
full powers to negotiate and conclude a treaty with all 
the Indians north and west of the Ohio. 

In the negotiation with the various tribes, whose 
jealousies and passions were constantly excited by 
emissaries from the British, who did not wish peace 
to be concluded with their savage friends until the 
treaty with Great Britain should be finally ratified, 
Wayne displayed the consummate wisdom and pru- 
dence of the statesman. Open, frank, and undissem- 
bling, he treated the chiefs and warriors with confi- 
dence and courtesy ; explained to them, in the plainest 
manner, the just views of the government ; and im- 
pressed upon their minds the truth, that the United 
States, while they were fully prepared for war, yet 
earnestly desired peace with them on equitable terms. 
By this manly and direct course he gained their con- 
fidence, and turned it to the best interest of his country, I 
(for he did not abuse it,) and, at the close of the nego- I 
tiation, those proud and fierce sons of the forest che- / 
rished a respect for the American commissioner in/ 
council, as sincere as the dread they entertained of th^ 
general in the field. 

After a protracted negotiation, the definitive articles 
of peace were exchanged on the 7th of August, 1795, 
and the Indians returned to their homes, their aflections 
won by the moderation and fairness with which they 
were treated. A restoration of prisoners took place, 
and many were the scenes of touching interest pre- 
sented on the return of sons and daughters to th^ir 
17* 



200 LIFE OF ANTH0N3f WAYNE. 

friends, to whom they were given up after a long and 
hopeless captivity, as victims snatched from the grave. 
/ The treaty met the entire approbation and prompt 
/ratification of the government ; a treaty which not only 
I secured a long and uninterrupted peace to the western 
I inhabitants, but, by fair and honorable negotiation and 
\purchase, procured a cessation of territory to the Uni- 
fied Slates, now estimated at millions. 
' As the tidings of the victory of Wayne flew from 
town to town, and from city to city, they awakened a 
thrill of inexpressible joy, that told how much more 
had been accomplished than the ipost sanguine had 
dared to expect. Congress, at its meeting, adopted re- 
solutions unanimously, in the highest degree compli- 
mentary to Gen. Wayne and his gallant army ; and 
President Washington again conveyed to him the ex- 
pression of his warmest approbation and esteem. The 
confidence of the executive in his wisdom, prudence, 
and discretion, were unbounded ; and there is reason 
to suppose that k was contemplated to intrust to his 
charge the department of war. 

J Peace being proclaimed, Wayne, after three years 
fand a half of painful and unremitting service, left the 
/ army to visit his family and friends. At every place 
on his way, he was met by distinguished marks of re- 
spect ; and his entry into Philadelphia was more grati- 
fying than a Roman triumph. It was on the 6th of 
February, 1796. All business was suspended. He 
was met on his way by the military companies of the 
\ city, and passed through the streets amid the ringing 
\ of bells, the animating sounds of martial music, and 
the still dearer heart-felt acclamations of joy and wel- 
come of a grateful and admiring people.* 



* " On Saturday last, [Feb. 6,] about 5 o'clock in the after- 
noon, arrived in this city, after an absence of more than three 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 203 

But, during his absence, in the course of the winter, 
new and dark clouds had been gathering in the west. 
Party excitement against the British treaty, and espe- 
cially the strenuous opposition in Congress to making 
appropriations to carry it into effect, led to the belief 
that war would yet ensue ; and Canadian emissaries 
had renewed their machinations to poison the minds 
of the Indians, and prepare them for hostilities. Other 
causes of alarm existed in the western country, grow- 
ing out of the proceedings of the Spanish governor of 
Louisiana, who had despatched some persons up the 
Ohio under very suspicious circumstances. 

By the treaty, the British posts at Detroit, Michili- 
mackinack, Oswego, and Niagara, were immediately 
to be given up to the United States, and a commis- 
sioner, in whom the- government had full confidence, 
was deemed necessary to receive them. 

Under these circumstances. Gen. Wayne, charged 
with extensive discretionary power, returned in June, 
1796, to the western country. Prompt measures were 
taken to effect the objects committed to his charge. 
Some presumed emissaries were arrested, and their 
views traced. At his approach, the spirit of enmity 
among the savages entirely disappeared ; they hailed 



years, on an expedition against the western Indians, (in 
which he proved so happily successful,) Major-General 
Wajme. Four miles from the city, he was met by three 
troops of Philadelphia light-horse, and escorted by them to 
town. On his crossing the Schuylkill, a salute of fifteen 
cannon was fired from the Centre Square, by a party of artil- 
lery. He was ushered into the city by the ringing of bells, 
and other demonstrations of joy, and thousands of citizens 
crowded to see and welcome the return of their brave gene- 
ral, whom they attended to the City tavern, where he alighted. 
In the evening a display of fireworks was exhibited." — Penn- 
sylvania Gazette, Fhlladelphia, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1796. 



204 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

his return with the greatest marks of confidence and 
respect. 

The treaty of peace with Great Britain having been 
ratified, and appropriation made to carry it into effect, 
orders had been received to deliver up the posts ; which 
Wayne, in a letter of September, announced to have 
received, and compliments the urbanity and friendly 
spirit displayed by the British ofl^icers and agents whom 
U was his duty to meet. 

/ Thus happily terminated the troubles which had so 
long existed on the north-western frontier ; the effusion 
of blood was stayed, the murder of women and chil- 
dren averted, and the foundation of a permanent and 
lasting peace was laid. Indeed, happier results from 
the highest bravery and consummate wisdom have 
been rarely experienced. 

\^ Having put affairs in a proper state to be left, in No- 
vember, Gen. Wayne sailed from Detroit for Presque 
Isle, the last post which it was his duty to visit previous 
to repairing to the seat of government. But Providence 
did not permit him, his friends and country, that hap- 
piness. On his passage he was seized (on the 17th 
November, the day before he landed,) with an attack of 
the gout, which continued until the 30th, and then 
seemed to subside ; but, like a subtle enemy that re- 
tires but to gather strength, it returned with increased 
force, and made its lodgement in the stomach, from 
which no skill could expel it ; and, on the 1 5th of De- 
cember, 1796, he breathed his last, in the full vigor of 
life, in the noon-tide of glory, and in the midst of use- 
fulness. 

The patriotism, spirit, and military character of Gen. 
Wayne are written in every leaf of his country's his- 
tory from the dawn of the Revolution to the close of 
his eventful life. If you ask who obeyed the first call 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 205 

of America and urged their way to the Canadian fron- 
tier at the opening- of the war ; do you not find Wayne 
first upon the battle-ground and the last to retire ? Ask 
who bore the brunt of the action on the left wing at the 
battle of Bran Jy wine ? who gallantly led his division 
to victory on the right wing at the battle of German- 
town ? who bore the fiercest charge at the battle of 
Monmouth? who, in the hour of gloom, roused the 
desponding spirits oLthe army and nation by the glori- 
ous storming and capturing of Stony Point? But 
where was there danger and duty, and it was possible 
for him to be present, and he was not there? Virgi- 
nia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia, were all 
scenes of his active service, and the latter awarded him 
special honors. 

During the Revolution, he served his country from 
the frozen regions of the St. Lawrence to the burning 
sands of the St. Mary's — possessing the entire confi- 
dence as well as private friendship of the commander- 
in-chief. Throughout the greater portion of the war, 
though holding only the rank and receiving the emolu- 
ments of a brigadier, he performed the duty, held the 
command, and incurred the responsibility of a major- 
general. From his extreme daring at Stony Point, and 
on every occasion when it was necessary, like Napo- 
leon at the bridge of Lodi, to put every thing at hazard 
for his country, an idea was put forth by some who 
really mistook his character or envied his fame, that 
courage was his chief and distinguishing attribute. No 
opinion could be more unjust. We discover thai 
Washington as repeatedly confided on his wisdom in 
advising, and his prudence in the execution of his plans, 
as on his valor. In truth, in him the daring and hazard- 
ous assault or the cautious retreat, avoiding the enemy 
18 



206 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

or meeting him at the bayonet's point, was always the 
result of high moral duty, and he fashioned his con- 
duct to the well regulated desire of effecting most for 
his country, with the means at his command. The 
idol of his soldiery — if he studied their characters and 
adapted himself by perfect fearlessness to their predi- 
lection, we cannot but deem it as an additional proof of 
his profound knowledge of human nature, and com- 
mend him for turning it to his country's advantage. A 
strict disciplinarian, he was firm and decisive in en- 
forcing obedience, knowing that the safety of the army 
and the cause itself depended upon subordination and 
the prompt conformity to orders. But the stern exte- 
rior of the commander always relaxed, and feelings, 
humane and tender to an amiable degree were exhibit- 
ed when the health and comfort of his soldiers were 
concerned. His letters repeatedly disclose the most 
pressing instances for necessaries for his men ; provi- 
sions, clothing, medicines ; and therefore was it that 
their love for him warmed into the ardor of devotion. 

A gentleman of accomplished and refined manners, 
no one more delighted to relieve the hardships of war 
by the courtesies of social intercourse. Much to the 
injury of his private fortune, he kept a table throughout 
the greatest portion of the war of the Revolution, which 
was frequented by respectable strangers who visited the 
camp, and the intelligent and brave among his compa- 
nions in arms. In the private walks of life, his virtues 
were not less conspicuous than his conduct and valor 
in the field. His letters to Mrs. Wayne and family, 
kept up the whole time of his absence, breathe the most 
tender spirit and aflfectionate heart. 

When a great man, running the race for glory, acts 
before the public, you do not always read his whole 
soul, and are not certain that you realize his true cha- 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 207 

racter. In the instance before us, if permission and 
space were allowed for the publication of the aforesaid 
letters, it would be truly pleasing to raise the veil and 
be permitted to enter the domestic sanctuary where, 
without reserve, the heart is laid open in all the sim- 
plicity of native character ; and there, the vizor of the 
warrior taken off, the helmet of the hero laid aside, to 
find all the amiable traits which adorn the husband, the 
father, and the friend. Hector, taking leave of Andro- 
mache, is, if possible, more interesting than in the dire 
conflict with Patroculus. 

The general, in a letter addressed to his accomplish- 
ed and amiable daughter, the late Mrs. Margaret Atlee, 
after speaking of the recent death of her mother in the 
most affecting manner, adds, " You were both [mean- 
ing his only son and daughter] infants when I was first 
called upon by my country to defend her rights and 
liberties ; in which hazardous task I spent my prime 
of life, nor was I sparing of my blood. At the close 
of the late war, from the vicissitudes of fortune, we 
were again separated ; and at a period when fortune, 
tired of her persecution, began to smile upon me, and 
promised me ease and retirement, I was again called 
forth to form and lead her legion, which had yet to 
learn the dreadful trade of death, against a victorious 
and insulting savage foe. 

" From these causes have we been separated from 
each other ; and from these causes has an affectionate 
and an indulgent parent been lost, and almost a stranger 
to his children and family." 

The camp of Gen. Wayne was a school for young 
soldiers. The discipline of arms, the courtesy of gen- 
tlemen, and the prudent conduct of affairs, were here 
acquired and practised ; and Wayne took pleasure in 
encouraging and advancing merit. The honorable 



208 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

William Henry Harrison,* the Hero of Tippecanoe 
and of the Thames, learned the art of war under Wayne, 
to whom he was aid in the victory of the Miamis. Ea- 
ton, who planted the American standard on the walls 
of a Barbarian capital, in Africa, was a captain in that 
campaign. Pike and Covington were there, who have 
evinced their patriotism and spirit by their blood ; as 
were also Van Rensselaer, Bissel, and many others, 
who have been since distinguished in life. 

Eaton, who was an observer of men, and an author, 
has left us ttie following description and character of 
his general : 

" He is firm in constitution, as in resolution ; indus- 
trious, indefatigable, determined and persevering ; fixed 
in opinion, and unbiassed in judgment ; not over ac- 
cessible, but studious to reward merit. He is a rock 
against which the waves of calumny and malice, moved 
by the gusts of passion natural to envy, have dashed ; 
have washed its sides : he is still immovable on his base. 
He is in some degree susceptible of adulation, as is 
every man who has an honest thirst for military fame. 
He endures fatigue and hardship with a fortitude uncom- 
mon for a man of his years. I have seen him, in the 
most severe night of the wiriter^of 1794, sleep on the 
ground, like his fellow-soldiers, and walk around the 
camp at four in the morning, with the vigilance of a 
sentinel." 

In high party contests, no eminent man who takes a 
distinguished part in public affairs, escapes the shafts 
of calumny — 

" Envy does merit as its shade pursue." 

When Washington was the object of unlicensed at- 
tack, during the period of his administration, and 



• Late President of the United States ; inaugurated March 
4di« 1841 ; died April 4th of the same year. 



LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 209 

Wayne was commander-in-chief of the army, it would 
have been no compliment to the latter to have remain- 
ed free from abuse. But the calumniators, with their 
calumnies, have gone down to oblivion, while the cha- 
racter of their intended victim, embalmed with that of 
Washington, rises in unblemished lustre, on the wings 
of Time, to immortal fame. 

The remains of Gen. Wayne were temporarily de- 
posited at Presque Isle, from whence they were re- 
moved in 1809, by his son, Isaac Wayne, Esq., to the 
cemetery of St. David's church, near Waynesborough 
farm, which is situated in the county of Chester, Penn- 
sylvania, the birth-place, and, previously to the Revolu- 
tionary war, the peaceful and favorite residence of the 
general. A writer, describing the church of St. David,* 
which is an old and quaint building, says " As a place 
of worship, its location is peculiarly happy. But not 
until you are almost upon it, as you approach it, is the 
unobtrusive little sanctuary seen, peeping from among 
the trees which conceal it from view — thus, as it were, 
shutting out the world and all those cares and objects 
not in unison with the feeling of holy meditation." The 
writer further says, " There is, however, in this yard, 
one at least whose name fills a conspicuous place on 
the page of his country's history — a monument more 
durable than brass. The individual alluded to, is the 
late Major-General Anthony Wayne, whose dust here 
peacefully reposes with that of his family, teaching the 
solemn lesson that ' the paths of glory lead but to the 
grave.' " 

A handsome monument, erected by the Pennsylva- 
nia State Society of the Cincinnati, his beloved com- 
panions in arras, attest their affection and his worth. 



• More generally known as Radnor church, founded over 
a century ago by a colony from Radnorshire in Wales. 



210 LIFE OF ANTHONY WAYNE. 

The south front of the Monument exhibits the foUo-vdllft 
inscription : 

In honor of the distinguished 
Military services of 

Major-General 

Anthoxt Watke, 

And as an affectionate tribute 

Of respect to his memory, 

This stone was erected by his 

Companions in arms, 

The Pennsylvania State Society of 

The Cincinnati^ 

July 4th, A. D. 1809, 

Thirty-fourth anniversary of 

The Independence of 

The United States of America; 

An event which constitutes 

The most 

Appropriate eulogium of an American 

Soldier and Patriot. 

The north front exhibits the following inscription i 

Major-General 
Anthoxt Watkb 

Was born at Waynesborough, 

In Chester County, 

State of Pennsylvania, 

A. D. 1745. 

After a life of honor and usefulness, 

He died, in December, 1796, 

At a Military post 

On the shores of Lake Erie, 

Commander-in-chief of the army of 

The United States. 

His military achievements 

Are consecrated 

In the history of his Country, 

And in 

The hearts of his countrymen. 

His remains 

Are here deposited. 






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